Murshidabad Violence Pre-Planned, Constitutes Organised Crime, Says Report Submitted To HC

The Calcutta High Court has extended the deployment of paramilitary forces in Murshidabad “till further order” due to the recent unrest.

The state has been instructed to take appropriate steps to restore normalcy. The court also expects the state to take adequate measures for compensation and rehabilitation for the victims of the violence that took place in April.

Murshidabad’s Samserganj, Dhulian, and Suti have witnessed unrest and disturbances. The violence, vandalism, and mass panic were all pre-planned and constitute organised crime, according to a report submitted by a three-member committee appointed by the High Court.

The committee comprises one member each from the State Human Rights Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and the State Legal Services Authority (SLST).

Justice Soumen Sen’s division bench of the High Court has directed the assessment of damages caused by the Murshidabad violence. A court-empaneled valuer has been assigned to determine the actual extent of damage. The report is to be submitted by July 30.

Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury of the Division Bench have scheduled the next hearing for May 30.

A report from the three-member committee appointed by the High Court was submitted to the Division Bench led by Justice Soumen Sen. Based on complaints received, 142 new cases have been filed. The report highlights that homes have been vandalised and destroyed, with incidents of looting.

Many residents are living in fear and are traumatised by the incidents, the reports says. All affected individuals have demanded a permanent BSF (Border Security Force) camp. A list of victims and affected persons has been prepared. The committee has recommended actions for rehabilitation and compensation, as well as steps to restore confidence and morale among the people. Adequate police protection has also been advised.

Regarding the Murshidabad unrest, the state government has reported that over 1,100 social media accounts have been blocked. Rehabilitation has been provided to 82 families who had fled due to the violence, and 360 people have been brought back to their homes. In the Jangipur Police District alone, 348 arrests have been made, with arrests still ongoing. Additionally, 92 FIRs have been registered.