Murshidabad Violence: Fact-Finding Panel Flags Police Inaction, Accuses TMC Leader of Leading Attack
A court-appointed fact-finding committee investigating the April communal violence in Murshidabad has submitted a damning report citing the “inactivity and absence” of police and naming Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mehboob Alam as a key instigator behind the violence in Dhulian town on April 11, 2025.
The report, submitted to the Calcutta High Court, documents rampant arson, looting, and murder, with authorities allegedly failing to intervene even as 113 homes were destroyed, temples desecrated, and residents displaced. The violence reportedly continued into April 12, despite the presence of local leaders and officials at the scene.
The panel — comprising NHRC Registrar (Law) Joginder Singh, WBSLSA Secretary Satya Arnab Ghosal, and Judicial Registrar Saugata Chakraborty — was assigned to assess the damage and oversee rehabilitation after the communal violence erupted during protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
The committee’s report highlights that:
- TMC leader Mehboob Alam, identified as the former chairman of Dhuliyan Municipality, allegedly directed mobs involved in the April 11 attacks.
- A sitting MLA reportedly witnessed the vandalism but left the scene without taking any action.
- The police were “completely inactive and absent”, allowing the violence to unfold unchecked.
- The main assault began around 2:30 pm on April 11 in Dhulian, with attackers covering their faces to hide identities.
- A local garment mall was looted, and temples were targeted in the violence.
- Victims from Betbona village were severely impacted, with 113 houses damaged.
- Displaced families were allegedly forced to return from Malda by the police, even though conditions remained unsafe.
The committee also detailed the brutal murder of Haragovinda Das (74) and his son Chandan Das (40). Attackers reportedly broke down their door and struck them with an axe, killing both men in their home.
The Calcutta High Court division bench, led by Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury, acknowledged the severity of the findings. The court said that victims require “individualised and customised rehabilitation packages” and called for the appointment of professional valuation experts to assess compensation.
Earlier, the West Bengal government had informed the court that violence occurred between April 8 and April 12 across Suti, Dhulian, Samserganj, and Jangipur, linked to the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act. The administration claimed the situation was brought under control after police intervention.
While TMC is yet to formally respond to the committee’s allegations, opposition parties have called for immediate action against those responsible. On social media, the report sparked outrage, with many users demanding accountability from local law enforcement and political leaders.
Several human rights activists have demanded a CBI probe, calling the violence and alleged administrative failure “a complete breakdown of rule of law in West Bengal.”
