Unrest in Murshidabad: One of the prime accused in the recent double murder in West Bengal’s violence-hit Murshidabad district has been arrested, police confirmed on Sunday.
The arrest marks the fourth in connection with the killings that took place in Jafrabad village, Shamsherganj, amid communal unrest earlier this month.
Who is the accused?
The arrested individual, identified as Ziaul Sheikh, a resident of neighbouring Sulitala Purbapara, had been absconding since April 12. A joint operation by the West Bengal Police Special Task Force (STF) and Special Investigating Team (SIT) tracked him down to Chopra in Uttar Dinajpur district on Saturday.
“This person is one of the prime accused who instigated a mob that vandalised the victims’ residence and killed Haragobindo Das and his son Chandan Das,” a senior police official said. Authorities recovered CCTV footage and mobile tower records confirming Sheikh’s presence at the crime scene.
Crackdown in violence-hit areas
Earlier, police arrested three others – Kalu Nadar, Dildar, and Inzmam Ul Haque – from various locations including Murarai, the Bangladesh border, and a neighbouring village. Police said over 100 FIRs have been lodged related to the Murshidabad violence, with 276 people arrested so far.
The violence erupted on April 11 during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leaving three dead and hundreds displaced.
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Political blame game escalates
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of “selective politics” and negligence towards the Hindu community’s safety. “The state government’s silence is deeply concerning,” he said, adding that West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose had visited the affected areas while Banerjee remained absent.
In response, CM Banerjee urged for calm and accused the BJP and RSS of exploiting the situation for political gains. “Divisive forces are trying to destabilise West Bengal. We condemn such riots and will take strict action,” she stated in an open appeal.
Governor, Opposition criticise state government
BJP leader Dilip Ghosh echoed similar criticism, praising the Governor’s ground visit and warning that if law and order weren’t restored, central intervention or the imposition of AFSPA could follow. He accused the state government of blocking relief efforts and silencing media coverage.
Meanwhile, protests and unrest have forced many families to flee and seek refuge in neighbouring Jharkhand or state-run relief camps.