Murshidabad Violence: Das Family Refuses State Compensation
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Synopsis
The family of Hargobindo and Chandan Das, victims of Murshidabad violence, has rejected the West Bengal government's compensation following their tragic loss. They expressed that no monetary compensation could replace their loved ones.
Key Takeaways
- Family of victims declines state compensation.
- Violence in Murshidabad linked to Waqf Act protests.
- Fear persists in Samserganj after the unrest.
- NCW team set to investigate the situation.
- Community rituals affected by lingering fear.
Kolkata, April 17 (NationPress) The relatives of Hargobindo Das and Chandan Das, a father-son duo who lost their lives in the recent violence in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, have chosen to reject the financial compensation provided by the state government.
Last week, unrest erupted in various areas of the minority-populated Murshidabad district following violent protests against the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act.
According to a complaint lodged by the deceased's family, a group of demonstrators invaded their home early on April 12.
They allegedly attacked and killed both men in front of their family members.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during a meeting with Imams, Muezzins, and other religious leaders from the Muslim community regarding the repercussions of the Waqf Act, announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each family of the violence victims.
However, shortly after CM Mamata Banerjee's announcement, the remaining members of the Das family firmly stated their refusal to accept the compensation offered by the state.
"If the police had arrived promptly, perhaps they would still be alive. Now they are gone forever. What use is compensation for us? No amount can replace the two precious lives we have lost," remarked a family member.
They expressed that although calm has started to return in parts of Murshidabad with the deployment of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel since the evening of April 12, a persistent atmosphere of fear remains in Samserganj.
The lingering fear, the family member noted, affected the ‘Shradh’ (post-death rituals) for the deceased father and son on April 15.
“The priests and barbers, who are essential for such rituals, did not arrive due to fear,” they added.
In the meantime, a team from the National Commission of Women (NCW), which has taken suo motu notice of the violence in Murshidabad that resulted in three fatalities, is on its way to Kolkata.
This Friday and Saturday, they will engage with the women from families displaced by the violence.
The NCW team will also conduct meetings with the Murshidabad District Magistrate and the district police chief.
