What Happened During the Violence at SIR Hearing in Malda District?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kolkata, Feb 3 (NationPress) A confrontation arose in the Malda district of West Bengal regarding the order of entry into the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing center, igniting a significant uproar, as reported by the police.
The disagreement quickly escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in the tearing of clothing for several individuals, as stated by authorities on Monday.
An elderly woman suffered a health crisis due to the chaos and was promptly taken to the hospital.
Law enforcement arrived shortly after and managed to restore order.
This incident transpired in the area under the jurisdiction of the English Bazar police station on Monday afternoon.
The occurrence took place within the grounds of the District School in English Bazar town.
A substantial number of individuals from various village panchayats in the English Bazar block had been called to this hearing center.
The queue outside the SIR hearing center became excessively crowded.
Due to the disorganized circumstances and prolonged waiting times, a woman suddenly became ill.
She was swiftly rescued and transported to Malda Medical College and Hospital in a police vehicle.
Razia Bibi, the ailing woman, hails from booth number 176 in the Narhatta area.
She has allegedly been summoned for the SIR hearing for three consecutive days.
Her relatives voiced their frustration towards the Election Commission, claiming harassment during this process.
In the aftermath, a scuffle erupted between two factions over who would be permitted entry into the SIR hearing center first.
A member of the Trinamool Congress panchayat reportedly faced assault, resulting in torn clothing.
The situation became chaotic, prompting the temporary closure of the SIR hearing center's gate.
Another elderly woman, Reena Bibi from the Jadupur area, sustained injuries during the clash.
She, too, was sent to Malda Medical College Hospital.
Subsequently, additional police forces arrived to manage the situation.
Individuals present at the hearing center criticized the police for their inaction during the incident.
They claimed that the queue was overcrowded and that inadequate arrangements had been made.
The turmoil escalated due to a stampede-like atmosphere.
Several villagers turned aggressive towards one another in plain sight of the police.
Although complaints were verbally submitted to the officers on-site, no appropriate measures were taken.
Asif Iqbal, a Congress member from Jadupur 1 Gram Panchayat in the English Bazar block, also suffered injuries.
Meanwhile, it was alleged that villagers from Budhia in the Narhatta Gram Panchayat faced attacks from his supporters.
Ultimately, police intervention was required to restore calm.
On the same day, the district leadership of the Trinamool Congress presented a memorandum to the District Magistrate, demanding an end to the harassment in the SIR process.
The delegation from the Trinamool included District President Abdur Rahim Boxi, State Minister Sabina Yasmin, and other public representatives.