Kolkata : The recent riots in Murshidabad were not spontaneous but a result of systematic failure, revealed an interim fact-finding report released by five civil rights organisations. The team has called for an immediate and independent judicial probe into all incidents of violence that unfolded since April 11, reported the Hindu.
According to the fact-finding committee, comprising members from Feminists in Resistance (FIR), Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR), Nari Chetna, Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners (CRPP), and Gono Songram Moncho (Murshidabad), both Hindu and Muslim communities suffered attacks on their homes and businesses during the violence.
“The unrest was a direct consequence of law and order failure. Had the police and administration acted promptly, the spread of communal violence could have been prevented,” stated a press release by the group.
The team alleged that fake BSF raids disproportionately targeted Muslim villages, and police actions created an atmosphere of fear among the Muslim community. Misinformation and rumours also played a major role in fuelling religious polarization, the report noted.
“People across both communities are living in terror and deep mistrust. While Hindu victims are demanding permanent BSF camps for protection, Muslim families are crying out for peace and security,” the report said.
The violence initially erupted on April 11 and 12 during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Tragically, three individuals — including father and son Hargobind Das (70) and Chandan Das (40) — were killed by a mob in Jafrabad. Another casualty, Eijaj Ahmed from Kasimnagar, reportedly died during police action.
As per the West Bengal Police, around 60 FIRs have been filed and 307 people have been arrested for alleged involvement in the riots.
The report sharply criticized political forces such as the BJP and RSS, accusing them of exploiting the tragedy for political gains and furthering an Islamophobic agenda. “The seeds of Islamophobia that were sown earlier are now being reflected in the voices of the victims,” it said. “While Hindus are reacting through anger and demands for harsh measures like President’s Rule and BSF camps, Muslims are facing increased vulnerability and terror.”
The organisations demanded immediate acceptance of FIRs filed by victims of police firing and urgent investigations into all cases. They further stressed the need for the state to take responsibility for administrative lapses and to initiate action against officers found negligent.
Additionally, the team called for the rehabilitation and compensation of all affected families, especially those rendered homeless by the violence.
