West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday strongly condemned the violence in Murshidabad, describing it as “barbaric” and emphasizing that such incidents must never be repeated. Earlier in the day, he visited Dhuliyan to meet with victims of the unrest.
“What we witnessed on the ground was a disturbing reflection of decaying human values,” Governor Bose told ANI. “It was sheer vandalism, utterly barbaric. This should never be allowed to happen again. People are terrified… It’s essential to restore normalcy, reassure the public that they are protected, and ensure such events are prevented in the future.”
Governor Bose meets with the families of the riot victims
During his visit, the Governor met the family of Harogobindo Das and his son Chandan Das, both of whom were killed during the violence that broke out amid protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Their bodies were discovered in their home, bearing multiple stab wounds.
Following the Governor’s departure, villagers in Betbona, Jafrabad, blocked roads demanding his return. Responding to the appeal, he came back, interacted with the protesters, and helped calm tensions, an official confirmed.
Three people, including the father-son duo, were killed in the violence that swept through several Muslim-majority areas of Bengal between April 8 and 12. Over 270 individuals have been arrested so far.
“As Governor, it’s my duty to stay in coordination with both the state and central governments. With effective police involvement at all levels, we’ve restored order on the ground. But the psychological scars remain among the affected,” he noted.
ALSO READ: Bangladesh miscreants behind West Bengal Waqf violence, Centre told: Reports
Women’s Commission Team Visits Murshidabad
A team from the National Commission for Women (NCW), led by Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, visited Murshidabad on Saturday to meet those impacted by the communal violence. She assured victims that the central government would take measures to ensure their safety.
During their visit, distressed women recounted traumatic experiences from the recent riots. Many called for permanent Border Security Force (BSF) camps in vulnerable areas and requested an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
“I’m speechless after hearing the pain these women have endured. What they suffered during the unrest is unimaginable,” said Ms Rahatkar. Several women broke down while speaking with the NCW delegation.
ALSO READ: ‘Pre-planned communal riots’: Mamata Banerjee on Murshidabad violence
TMC attacks NCW for being biased to the BJP
The Trinamool Congress, however, questioned the neutrality of these visits, accusing the NCW of acting as a “political extension of the BJP.” It also criticized the visits by the Governor and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), claiming they were attempts to stir unrest in a sensitive region.
“When the Chief Minister urged the Governor to postpone his visit, he should have respected that request,” said Trinamool MP Sougata Roy. “These visits appear politically motivated and seem intended to destabilize the situation.”
In response, BJP state president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar hit back, accusing the Trinamool Congress of protecting those responsible for the violence for political reasons.
“The Trinamool is clearly nervous that these visits might uncover their ties to the rioters. They’re indulging in appeasement politics for electoral gains,” Majumdar told PTI.
