Six injured in communal clash in West Bengal, 17 arrested; TMC, BJP trade barbs

The clash broke out over a comment that was being scrolled across a neon display board at a religious ceremony of one community that hurt the sentiment of another community and triggered mob violence.

Kolkata: Six persons were injured in an overnight clash between two groups of people at Beldanga in Murshidabad in West Bengal. After the incident, both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party traded barbs on Sunday.

The clash broke out over a comment that was being scrolled across a neon display board at a religious ceremony of one community that hurt the sentiment of another community. Police arrested the president and secretary of the committee that organised the religious ceremony where the alleged abusive comment was displayed.

The clashes between the two groups of people were followed by the ransacking of several houses. Some houses were also set ablaze. Police imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in and around Beldanga and suspended internet services in the area.

Six persons, who were injured in the clash, are currently in stable condition after being given proper medical treatment, a senior officer of West Bengal Police said. “Prompt action has been taken by the police against vandalism and violence by arresting 17 persons,” the West Bengal Police posted on X. “Situation is under control. Sharp police vigil continues. Please do not heed unverified facts and figures being circulated on social media to disrupt peace. Sternest possible legal action will be taken against lawbreakers as also the rumor-mongers.”

A war of words between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party broke out after the incident.

“Every festival and puja of theirs is attacked, while (Chief Minister) Mamata Banerjee looks the other way. Enough,” senior BJP leader Amit Malviya posted on X.

Trinamool Congress, however, dismissed the allegation with a senior leader of the party accusing the BJP of communalising and politicising an incident, which the police had deftly handled.