The town of Mothabari in Malda district, West Bengal, witnessed violent communal clashes on the night of March 27, leading to widespread tension in the region. The violence erupted after miscreants allegedly targeted Hindu homes and businesses, prompting the administration to suspend internet services and deploy heavy security forces, including three companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), to maintain order.
According to local reports, the incident was triggered on March 26, when a Hindu religious procession was passing through the Mothabari area, coinciding with Namaz being offered at a mosque. As devotees chanted slogans, tensions flared, and members of the Muslim community opposed the procession. The disagreement soon escalated into a heated confrontation, leading to an outbreak of violence.
By the following night, several Hindu homes, shops, and vehicles were vandalised and set on fire. Eyewitnesses recounted how mobs went on a rampage, attacking properties owned by Hindus and causing extensive damage. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, requiring a heavy police deployment to restore order.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly condemned the violence, alleging that the attacks were targeted against Hindus. Senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, wrote a letter to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, urging the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in Mothabari.
“The situation in Mothabari is worsening for Hindus. Their homes and businesses are being specifically targeted, and the state administration is failing to protect them. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further violence,” Adhikari wrote in his letter.
He further stated that the state government must take accountability for ensuring the safety of Hindu residents, as local police had allegedly been unable to prevent or control the violence.
Following mounting tensions, the Calcutta High Court took cognisance of the matter and directed the Malda District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police (SP) to submit an action report by April 3. The court emphasised that given the sensitive nature of the incident, the state government must ensure the protection of those affected and take immediate steps to prevent further escalation.
Despite the severity of the situation, the state administration has refrained from imposing Section 144, citing the upcoming Eid celebrations as a reason for avoiding restrictions. However, officials have assured that strict monitoring is being carried out to prevent any further flare-ups.
In response to the attacks, Hindu residents staged protests on March 29, blocking roads in the English Bazar police station area, particularly at Bandhapukur Mor. Protesters gathered in large numbers, demanding strict action against the perpetrators and protection for Hindus in the region.
As the demonstration intensified, the police attempted to disperse the crowd, but tensions escalated. Security forces resorted to lathi-charge and fired tear gas shells to control the situation. After several hours, authorities managed to clear the roadblocks and restore normalcy.
West Bengal Inspector General (IG) Rajesh Yadav confirmed that state armed police and three RAF companies had been deployed in sensitive areas of Kaliachak block, including Mothabari, to prevent further violence.
According to Malda police, six FIRs have been registered so far, and 34 individuals have been arrested in connection with the riots. Authorities are currently analysing CCTV footage and other evidence to identify additional suspects, and further arrests are expected.
“We are actively working to identify all those involved in the violence. The situation is now under control, and additional security forces have been deployed to prevent any further disturbances,” a senior police official stated.
The incident has sparked a political firestorm, with several BJP leaders taking to social media to condemn the violence. Suvendu Adhikari posted multiple videos on X (formerly Twitter), alleging that Hindu-owned businesses were being specifically targeted in the violence.
Similarly, Union Minister of State for Education and Development of the North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, also shared several videos of the destruction and questioned the role of the state administration.
He posted: “Terrifying scenes from Mothabari, South Malda—Hindu homes and shops ransacked by a violent mob. What are Mamata Banerjee and her silent Bengal police doing? Absolutely nothing. This is the price of her shameless appeasement politics—lawlessness, fear, and injustice for Hindus!”
With heightened security measures in place, the situation in Mothabari remains tense but under control. The state government has assured that all necessary actions are being taken to maintain peace, while opposition leaders continue to criticise the administration’s handling of the incident.
Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court’s directive to submit an action report by April 3 has intensified pressure on the administration to act decisively against the rioters and ensure the safety of residents in the violence-hit area.
The incident has reignited debates over law and order in West Bengal, with BJP leaders accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of minority appeasement, while the state government maintains that it is taking all necessary steps to restore normalcy.
As Eid celebrations approach, authorities remain on high alert to prevent any further outbreaks of violence. The next course of action will largely depend on the findings of the police investigation and the response of the state administration to the High Court’s directive.
