The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of a complaint filed by Agni Samaj regarding reported mob lynching, communal targeting, and police inaction in Murshidabad, West Bengal, and has directed an on-the-spot inquiry into the matter.
The complaint was filed on April 13, 2025, and acknowledged by the Commission on April 15. It details a series of violent incidents in the wake of protests against the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, in which Hindus were reportedly targeted, their properties vandalised, and, in one horrifying instance, a father-son duo—Har Gobind Das and Chandan Das—was reportedly lynched by a mob. The incidents have prompted allegations of police negligence.
According to the NHRC’s official communication, “If the above allegations are true, it would be tantamount to a serious violation of human rights…”
The Commission’s member, Priyank Kanoongo, noted the founder of Agni Samaj, Swati Goel Sharma, on X and stated that action would be taken.
Noted! https://t.co/6bRu4B7576
— प्रियंक कानूनगो Priyank Kanoongo (@KanoongoPriyank) April 15, 2025
On April 15, Swati, wrote on X, “Filed a complaint with National Human Rights Commission regarding this horrific communal mob lynching of father-son Hargovind Das and Chandan Das and targeted violence against Hindus in Bengal.”
Filed a complaint with National Human Rights Commission regarding this horrific communal mob lynching of father-son Hargovind Das and Chandan Das and targeted violence against Hindus in Bengal
Received official acknowledgment today
Once the ongoing pogrom is brought under… https://t.co/VAItYnMKWX pic.twitter.com/KLEoBR3eHB
— Swati Goel Sharma (@swati_gs) April 15, 2025
As per the latest updates, the Commission has assigned a team from its Investigation Division to conduct an on-the-spot inquiry in Murshidabad, with directions to submit a report within three weeks. The NHRC has also instructed the secretariat of its Member, Priyank Kanoongo, who is overseeing the case, to coordinate with the team for visit scheduling and follow-up action.
The NHRC’s order comes after Agni Samaj urged the Commission to step in and ensure: a fact-finding mission to the affected areas, accountability from the West Bengal government regarding police action and protection of vulnerable Hindu communities, and immediate relief and security for displaced families.
Agni Samaj welcomes NHRC’s decision to order an on-spot inquiry into the targeted violence in Bengal, especially in Murshidabad
We remain committed to amplifying the voices of affected families and seeking justice for victims
Grateful for your swift action, @KanoongoPriyank Ji https://t.co/88HGQOGnPZ
— Agni Samāj (@AgniSamaj) April 15, 2025
In the complaint, Swati highlighted that Hindu shops and homes were looted, in addition to the damaging of public property by rioters. The complainant also emphasized the need to safeguard the rights of minority Hindus living in Muslim-majority localities, who face increasing vulnerability during such unrest.
This NHRC intervention marks a significant development as one of the first central-level responses to the unfolding crisis in Bengal, where rising communal tensions have raised concerns over law and order, targeted violence, and human rights violations.
Agni Samaj has welcomed the NHRC’s decision. The organisation posted on X, “We remain committed to amplifying the voices of affected families and seeking justice for the victims,” while thanking Kanoongo for his swift action.
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