Two groups clashed over parking e-rickshaws at Ratua in West Bengal’s Malda district on Saturday evening, leading to property damage, police said while ruling out any communal angle to the incident even as the Opposition BJP made allegations to the contrary.
“A clash between two groups took place over a minor issue of TOTO parking in front of a shop. The two groups resorted to stone pelting and brick-batting causing minor damage to few shops/structures on both sides,” the Malda police wrote on X.
“Police reached the spot and chased away both sides using necessary force and resumed the traffic. No major injuries have been reported. 21 persons have been arrested from both sides in a specific case. Situation remains peaceful and under control. Police continues to remain vigilant.”
“All are again requested not to indulge in rumour-mongering and refrain from posting inciting or fake messages on social media. Stern legal action will be initiated against those trying to trigger unrest,” the police added.
However, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari wrote on X, “Another Night of Terror in Malda: Sanatani Community Under Attack,” the post began. “Once again, the sanctity of the night has been shattered in Ratua, Malda district, as the Sanatani community faces relentless attacks from radical extremist elements. Their only fault was constructing a Temple.”
Adhikari claimed that “miscreants have targeted the community, pelting stones and bricks indiscriminately, turning the area into a battlefield of fear and destruction.” The post detailed alleged vandalism and looting.
“As always, the Police remain conspicuously absent during these incidents, raising serious questions about their role and responsibility. It is disheartening to see that those who are supposed to protect the citizens are instead turning a blind eye, due to political pressures and appeasement politics,” he wrote.
Adhikari further wrote that he had reached out to several high-ranking officials, including the director-general of police, the principal secretary of the home and hill affairs department, the Union home secretary, the Murshidabad district magistrate and the district superintendent of police, through his lawyer, requesting immediate intervention.
The situation in Ratua remains tense, with conflicting accounts of the incident circulating. “We urge all parties to maintain peace and avoid spreading unverified information,” said an official.