Fresh action has begun in West Bengal over the controversial 2021 post-poll violence cases, with the state police launching 458 new enquiries, registering 181 fresh FIRs, and reopening 59 cases that had earlier been closed after final reports were submitted. The move comes days after the Bharatiya Janata Party formed its first government in the state under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari following a sweeping Assembly election victory.
According to officials, the renewed legal and investigative action was initiated after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed police authorities across West Bengal to invoke provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and ensure registration of FIRs in all pending murder, assault, and violence-related complaints linked to the 2021 post-poll unrest.
The Chief Minister also appealed to victims and their family members to approach the police even if they did not possess documentary proof or evidence, assuring them that investigations would be conducted fairly and thoroughly.
The large-scale reopening of cases marks one of the most significant administrative actions undertaken by the newly formed BJP government since assuming office on May 9. The BJP secured 207 seats in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly, ending the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC)’s 15-year rule in the state. The TMC was reduced to 80 seats in the elections.
Multiple arrest of TMC goons from entire West Bengal.
West Bengal police arrests TMC leader Abdul Kader Haque following a serious allegations of post-poll physical assault and violence. pic.twitter.com/GYIolCS3uP
— Oxomiya Jiyori 🇮🇳 (@SouleFacts) May 18, 2026
Reports indicated that the state administration has instructed police units to review complaints that were allegedly ignored, diluted, or closed during the previous regime. Authorities are also examining older final reports submitted in violence-related cases to determine whether investigations need to be reopened or expanded.
The 2021 post-poll violence in West Bengal had triggered nationwide outrage after several incidents of murder, arson, assault, vandalism, and political clashes were reported from multiple districts following the Assembly election results. The incidents had led to repeated political confrontations between the BJP and the then-ruling TMC government, with the BJP accusing the previous administration of shielding perpetrators and suppressing complaints.
Since the BJP government took charge earlier this month, action has reportedly also been initiated against several TMC leaders and local functionaries in cases related to alleged extortion, land grabbing, intimidation, and political violence.
Meanwhile, Abhishek Banerjee, General Secretary of the TMC, criticised the Centre over the issue of post-poll violence and alleged that central security forces remained silent during violent incidents. He further claimed that TMC candidates and counting agents were removed from counting centres in certain constituencies during the 2026 Assembly election counting process.
Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier approached the Calcutta High Court in connection with violence reported after the 2026 election results. Appearing before Chief Justice HC Sujoy Pal in a PIL hearing, Mamata Banerjee sought immediate protection for people affected by the violence and alleged that incidents of arson, attacks, and intimidation were taking place across the state.
She claimed that party workers, women, children, and minority communities were being targeted amid the political unrest following the election outcome.
