West Bengal Waqf protests: BJP's Suvendu Adhikari claims Hindus 'forced to flee' Murshidabad amid violence
Times of India | 13 April 2025
Suvendu Adhikari NEW DELHI: BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, alleged on Sunday that more than 400 Hindus had to leave their homes in Dhulian, Murshidabad, because of communal tension in the area. His statement came after central paramilitary forces were sent in following recent incidents of violence
Adhikari pointed fingers at the ruling Trinamool Congress, accusing it of practising “appeasement politics” which, he said, has “emboldened radical elements.” He said, "More than 400 Hindus from Dhulian, Murshidabad driven by fear of religiously driven bigots were forced to flee across the river & take shelter at Par Lalpur High School, Deonapur-Sovapur GP, Baisnabnagar, Malda."
He posted visuals and video interviews on social media, including testimonies from affected people. In one video, a man said his house was set on fire and alleged that police officers did not intervene but instead fled the scene.
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Appealing for action, Adhikari called upon the Border Security Force, as well as the district and state police, to safeguard the displaced individuals and help them return safely. He stated, "I urge the Central Paramilitary Forces deployed in the District, the State Police and the district administration to ensure the safe return of these displaced Hindus & protect their lives from this jihadist terror. Bengal is burning. The social fabric is torn. Enough is enough."
Further criticising the state government, he added, "Religious persecution in Bengal is real. Appeasement politics of TMC has emboldened radical elements. Hindus are being hunted, our people are running for their lives in their own land! Shame on the State Govt for allowing this breakdown of law & order."
The Border Security Force has dispatched five companies to aid the state police in maintaining peace in the district. The move follows unrest linked to protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
Speaking to reporters, IG South Bengal Frontier Karni Singh Shekhawat said, "We have to work along with them in this situation. The discussions were held on this only. We have sent our five companies to help the police. We are here to help the police, not for independent action. We will act according to the demands of the state police. We hope that peace will be restored here soon."
These developments follow the Calcutta High Court’s direction to immediately deploy central forces and to have both the state and central governments submit reports on the situation. The court is set to review the matter again on April 17.
According to West Bengal Police, three people died on Friday night due to mob violence linked to protests against the Waqf Act. Several vehicles were also set ablaze. Authorities have stated that the situation is now under control.