NEW DELHI: BJP leader of leader of opposition in West Bengal assembly, Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday claimed that more than 400 Hindus were forced to flee their homes in Dhulian, Murshidabad, following communal violence in the region.
He alleged that that the violence was a result of the Trinamool Congress’ “appeasement politics” which, he said, had “emboldened radical elements.”
“More than 400 Hindus from Dhulian, Murshidabad, driven by fear of religiously driven bigots, were forced to flee across the river and take shelter at Par Lalpur High School, Deonapur-Sovapur GP, Baisnabnagar, Malda,” Adhikari wrote on X.
He also posted pictures and videos of the displaced families, with one individual claiming his house was set on fire while police personnel allegedly fled without taking action.
The violence broke out on Friday night following protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. At least three people were killed and several vehicles were torched. Police later said the situation was under control.
Adhikari called on central paramilitary forces, the state police, and local administration to ensure the safe return of those displaced. “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 and protect their lives from this jihadist terror. Bengal is burning. The social fabric is torn. Enough is enough,” he posted.
Slamming the TMC 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.”
In response to the violence, the Border Security Force (BSF) has deployed five companies to assist the state 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 soon,” said IG South Bengal Frontier Karni Singh Shekhawat while addressing reporters.
The Calcutta high court, which earlier directed the immediate deployment of central forces, has also asked both the state and central governments to file detailed reports on the situation. The matter is expected to be heard next on April 17.
