Bengal Riots: Governor Meets Deceased’s Family, Victims Demand BSF Camp, CBI Probe
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose visited riot-hit Murshidabad on Saturday and met the family of two Hindu men killed during recent violence over the Waqf law, assuring them of full support and justice.
On the second day of his tour across violence-affected districts, Governor Bose visited Samsherganj, Dhulian, Suti, and Jangipur in Murshidabad. He met families of the deceased, including relatives of Harogobindo Das (70) and his son Chandan Das (40), who were killed in Jafrabad on April 11.
“I asked them to feel free to talk to me directly. The phone number has also been given. We’ll be in touch with them. Very effective proactive steps will be taken,” Bose told reporters.
The Governor assured the victims he would take up the issue with the Centre and state government. “They want to have a sense of security… I will consider their suggestions and demands,” he said.
Several locals held banners demanding a permanent Border Security Force (BSF) camp in the region. Residents said they feared further violence and sought a stronger security presence in the area.
An official accompanying the Governor confirmed the family had requested a CBI investigation into the murders. The father-son duo’s last rites were performed without a priest, who reportedly stayed away due to fear.
Separately, a National Commission for Women (NCW) delegation met affected women in Murshidabad. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, who was part of the delegation, described the situation as “inhuman”.
“These people are in so much pain that I am speechless right now,” she said, adding that several women sought an NIA probe into the violence.
Earlier this month, protests over the Waqf law spiraled into communal violence in parts of Murshidabad and South 24 Parganas. At least three people died in the unrest.
Dozens of Hindu homes were vandalised, forcing families to flee to relief camps in neighbouring Malda. Governor Bose visited one such temporary camp on Friday, defying a public appeal by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to postpone his visit.
With multiple victims urging CBI and NIA probes and demanding greater security, pressure is mounting on both the Centre and the West Bengal government to act decisively.
Governor Bose reiterated that all grievances would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities, promising swift action and regular follow-ups with the affected families.
