20 injured as radical Islamists disrupt Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal's Murshidabad

Kolkata, April 18: Multiple areas within the Murshidabad district of West Bengal experienced violence during Ram Navami processions. The incidents occurred in Saktipur, Manikyahar, and Rejinagar, involving stone-pelting and blasts, resulting in injuries to at least 20 people, including a woman and two children. Ram Navami was celebrated nationwide on April 17.

In Saktipur, a woman was injured during the blasts and was subsequently admitted to the Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Manikyahar saw incidents of looting, and footage on social media showed miscreants throwing stones from rooftops. The unrest prompted the heavy deployment of central forces throughout parts of Murshidabad, although police have yet to release an official statement on the matter.

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Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of inciting violence through her "provocative speech." Adhikari criticized Banerjee's handling of the situation, alleging that her comments emboldened those involved in the clashes. He called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take action against the Chief Minister for her role in the disruptions.

Adhikari also wrote to Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, informing him about the attacks on Ram Navami processions on April 17 and requesting his intervention to address the deteriorating law and order situation. He urged for the incidents to be investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Meanwhile, the BJP accused local authorities in Rejinagar of failing to maintain order during a Ram Navami procession. BJP state general secretary Jagannath Chattopadhyay called on the ECI to take firm action against the involved police officers.

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In response to the BJP's claims, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shantanu Sen dismissed the accusations, claiming that the BJP is attempting to incite riots ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Sen condemned the violence and blamed the BJP for orchestrating these incidents.

Ram Navami celebrations have previously been affected by sporadic violence in West Bengal, notably in Howrah district. In recent years, processions during the festival have often been marred by communal tensions and clashes.