Temple Vandalism Sparks Clashes in West Bengal’s Maheshtala; 13 Arrested, Section 163 Imposed
Tensions flared in West Bengal’s Maheshtala on Tuesday night after a violent clash between two groups led to the alleged vandalism of a Shiva temple, prompting the arrest of 13 people and the imposition of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to maintain order.
The unrest began over a dispute related to the construction of shops near a local Shiva temple in the Rabindranagar area of Maheshtala, South 24 Parganas. Local residents opposed the move, instead building a Tulsi Mandir, which reportedly escalated tensions and sparked violent retaliation.
Eyewitnesses reported widespread chaos as mobs hurled bricks from rooftops, torched tyres, and vandalised police vehicles. Outside the Rabindranagar Police Station, a motorbike was set on fire, and several police personnel were injured in stone-pelting incidents. Tear gas shells were fired to disperse the crowd, and reinforcements from Kolkata and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed overnight.
“Bricks were thrown at police, vehicles were set on fire, and one officer was bleeding from a head injury,” a senior police official said. A woman constable was among those injured in the violence.
As of Wednesday, police have arrested 13 individuals in connection with the violence. Raids are underway to apprehend more suspects, and additional forces remain stationed in the area to prevent further escalation.
The incident quickly drew political reactions, with BJP Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari staging a protest outside the West Bengal Police headquarters in Alipore. “The Hindu community in Rabindranagar has been under attack for hours, and the police did nothing,” Adhikari claimed. He further alleged that the Director General of Police, Rajiv Kumar, refused to meet him and announced plans to approach the Calcutta High Court seeking the deployment of central forces.
“The situation is grave, and we are getting desperate calls from residents. This is complete lawlessness,” Adhikari said, joined by several BJP MLAs and Hindu monks.
The BJP’s IT Cell Chief posted on social media platform X, alleging that the violence was part of a pattern of communal unrest in the state, accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of appeasement politics and inaction.
The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), however, dismissed the allegations, accusing the BJP of communalising a local land dispute. “The police acted swiftly and arrested those involved. The BJP is trying to paint this as a communal issue for political gains,” said TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh.
Kolkata Mayor and TMC leader Firhad Hakim also condemned the violence while criticising the BJP’s narrative. “We pray for the speedy recovery of injured police personnel. The BJP’s attempt to stir communal unrest is unacceptable,” he said.
Maheshtala, a suburb with a mixed population, has seen sporadic incidents of communal tension in recent years. The current unrest has reignited concerns over the handling of sensitive disputes and the politicisation of religious issues.
Police continue to monitor the situation, and Section 163 under BNSS remains in force to restrict large gatherings and prevent flare-ups.
