West Bengal: Violence erupts in Jangipur in Murshidabad after Ram Navami procession attacked by goons, saffron flag pulled down

Tensions escalated in the Jangipur area of Murshidabad district, West Bengal, on Friday during a Ram Navami procession, resulting in clashes between two groups at Phultala More in Raghunathganj. Reports indicate stone-pelting, looting, vandalism and arson, with multiple people injured and shops and vehicles damaged. Police and central forces have been deployed to restore order, and the situation is now reported to be under control, though the area remains tense.⁠

According to local reports and video footage circulating on social media, the unrest began when a saffron flag raised during the annual afternoon procession was disrespected and brought down by some people. A video posted by BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari shows a man climbing a billboard structure at Phultala More and throwing down the flag, an act described by Adhikari as a planned insult to Sanatan Dharma and the sentiments of Hindu participants. He blamed the state government’s alleged appeasement policy and called for the immediate arrest of the individual involved.

This led to a clash between the two sides, with bricks and stones hurled at each other. Shops were vandalised by the mob, and some establishments were set ablaze. Some people looted the shops, and threw items on the road. Locals alleged that police initially fled the spot amid the violence.  Several people were injured in the incident. 

In a separate incident in Sisatla area of Raghunathganj, a Ram Navami procession was attacked by some locals over playing of music. The argument over music turned violent, resulting in a fight between the two sides.

BJP has described the events as a planned attacks that led to widespread looting of shops, arson targeting shops and hand-pulled carts, and damage to small passenger vehicles, creating panic across the Jangipur region. BJP’s former North Murshidabad district president Dhananjay Ghosh said, “This incident was caused by a conspiracy. I demand appropriate punishment for those who committed such incidents, pelted stones at the procession and beat up our workers.”

Trinamool Congress (TMC) district leaders in Jangipur stated that the large-scale procession was well-known in advance and questioned the police why preventive measures were not taken. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier cautioned about potential unrest during Ram Navami events.

Police have confirmed that central forces, along with the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and state police, have been patrolling the area. An investigation has been launched into the sequence of events.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of past communal tensions in Murshidabad during Ram Navami processions in previous years.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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