Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Violence erupted in Beldanga village in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district at the weekend following tensions over the display of an Islamophobic signboard at a local Durga Puja pandal. The controversy escalated amidst the already sensitive communal dynamics in the state where religious and political narratives have historically intersected.
The district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and suspended internet services.
Video of the signboard has sparked outrage on social media. As news of the signboard with the offensive message emerged, people gathered leading to mobs on both sides.
The situation intensified as groups clashed violently, with reports of stone-pelting and the use of crude weapons. Police were deployed to restore order, but the tension persists.
Fifteen Muslims were reportedly injured, with three reported critically hurt.
Police sources say that shops and houses were ransacked and a police vehicle was damaged in the violence, which also spread to the adjacent areas. Police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the mobs, according to media reports.
“Prompt action has been taken by the police against vandalism and violence by arresting 17 persons. No casualty, repeat no casualty, has been reported anywhere in the district. 6 persons were injured and are under proper treatment. The condition of all injured is stable. The situation is under control. Sharp police vigil continues. Please do not heed unverified facts and figures being circulated on social media to disrupt peace. Sternest possible legal action will be taken against law-breakers as also the rumour-mongers,” West Bengal Police posted on X.
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from various political parties. The BJP accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of fostering an environment of communal disharmony, while the TMC criticised the BJP for attempting to communalise the situation for electoral gains.