Clashes break out in Bengal’s Murshidabad during Ram Navami procession, BJP demands NIA probe

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday demanded NIA probe in the clashes that erupted in West Bengal’s Murshidabad leaving several injured.

He also blamed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the Ram Navami clashes that left four people injured. 

Taking to X, Adhikari wrote, “The Ram Navami Processions were disrupted and attacked at various places across the State of West Bengal, due to the CM's provocative speech…their hands have been tied due to CM's public stance on Ram Navami; a day, which according to her, “Is a day for Rioting.”

“I have written a letter to the Hon'ble Governor; Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, apprising him regarding the attacks on the Processions taken out on the occasion of Ram Navami on 17.04.2024 and requested him to immediately intervene in order to control the failing Law and Order Situation, as well as getting the incidents investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA)," he wrote. 

Clashes erupted in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district during Ram Navami procession on Tuesday evening after an alleged blast  leaving at least four people injured. The clashes also saw stone pelting from rooftop following which police resorted to lathicharge and tear gas to control the situation. Injured people were taken to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital in Behrampore.

“I would like to request @ECISVEEP to take action against the Chief Minister, whose provocation led to such untoward incidents," the BJP leader added.

"A peaceful Ram Navami procession, which had all the due permission from the Administration, was attacked by miscreants at Saktipur; Beldanga - II Block; Murshidabad. Strangely, this time around, Mamata Police joined the miscreants in this ghastly attack and fired tear gas shells on the Ram Devotees to disperse them to ensure that the procession ends abruptly," Adhikari had said earlier.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 have now been imposed in the area.

Berhampore MP and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury visited the region on Wednesday evening. "I came to see the people who were injured in the clash from Malda. But BJP workers staged a protest in the hospital claiming that Hindus are under attack and demanding an answer from me. Those protesting should ask those who need to answer," he said.

"Riots are being triggered as part of a well-defined plan. And the BJP protest proves it. I have spoken to the Election Commission. Additional forces have been rushed to Shaktipur and the SP is at the spot. I am continuously in touch with the election commission," the Congress leader said.

The incident comes days after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had warned of riots breaking out on Ram Navami in Murshidabad. Her remarks came after the Election Commission removed the Deputy Inspector General of Police of Murshidabad over violence in the district and the officer's alleged "lack of supervision".

"Even today, just based on BJP's instructions, the DIG of Murshidabad was changed. Now, if there are riots in Murshidabad and Malda, the responsibility will lie with the Election Commission. The BJP wanted to change the police officers to trigger riots and violence. If there is even one riot, the ECI will be responsible as they are looking after law and order here," Mamata Banerjee had said on Monday.

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya also blamed Mamata Banerjee for the clashes on Ram Navami. He blamed Mamata’s communal speeches the reason Ram devotees have been attacked across Bengal on Wednesday.

“Bengal is falling apart and Mamata Banerjee is responsible for it. Her vituperative and communal speeches are the reason Ram Bhakts have been attacked across Bengal. After widespread rioting in Murshidabad, now devotees of Shri Ram targeted in Egra, Medinipur," Malviya said.

Last year, Ram Navami celebrations in Bengal were also marred by violence, leading to a massive confrontation between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress.