Saturday, March 29, 2025
Murshidabad, West Bengal | April 13, 2025
Tension has gripped Dhulian in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district over a dispute related to the Waqf Act. The situation escalated over the weekend with reports of violence and gunfire, prompting political uproar. While the state’s Director General of Police claimed the situation is now under control, fresh gunfire was reported on Sunday morning, allegedly targeting BSF patrol teams.
Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, claimed that over 400 Hindus were forced to flee their homes due to fear of violence. He alleged that at least three people have died in the clashes so far.
Adhikari squarely blamed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government, accusing it of emboldening religious extremists through its policy of appeasement. He shared on social media that more than 400 Hindus were displaced from Dhulian and had to seek shelter in locations such as Par Lalpur High School, Devnakup-Sowapur GP, and Baisnabnagar in Malda district. Adhikari also posted photos and videos showing the scale of the displacement.
According to reports, over 500 people have taken refuge at Par Lalpur High School alone. Local residents in Malda have reportedly been helping those who fled. Displaced families claimed they had been under threat for days, with some women stating they were warned that poison would be mixed into their water supply.
In one of the videos shared by Adhikari, a man is seen saying his house was set on fire and that the police did not come to his aid.
He called for joint action from the BSF, police, and district administration to ensure safety so that people can return to their homes.
The violence reportedly claimed at least three lives and several vehicles were torched.
Adhikari said:
“West Bengal is burning. The social fabric is being torn apart. Enough is enough.”
He further stated that attacks on Hindus based on their religion have become commonplace and that appeasement politics has given extremists a free hand.
In response to the unrest, five companies of the BSF have been deployed in the area.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also launched a scathing attack on the state government, accusing it of encouraging those who attack Hindus.
“Temples are being destroyed, idols desecrated, and Hindus are being driven from their homes,” he said.
“All of this is happening in the land that gave birth to great saints like Swami Vivekananda. Mamata Banerjee’s government must be held accountable.”
