Archive · 10 Sep 2026
NIA Names Shakir Ali Mastermind in Bengal Ram Navami Violence
The National Investigation Agency investigated violence during Ram Navami processions in Hooghly, West Bengal, in 2023.
It has now filed a chargesheet, which is a formal document listing accusations.
The agency named Shakir Ali as an alleged mastermind.
It said he and his aides planned the unrest for political gains.
Police reported recovering swords during the investigation.
Explosives and gunpowder were allegedly found at the home of another accused, Kamran Qureshi.
The chargesheet names 43 people in total.
The violence included bomb attacks, vandalism and arson, and caused authorities to impose a virtual curfew.
All the accused named in the chargesheet are currently out on bail.
The National Investigation Agency filed a chargesheet in the 2023 Ram Navami violence case in Hooghly, West Bengal.
The agency named Shakir Ali, husband of a former Trinamool Congress MP, as the alleged mastermind.
NIA said Ali and his aides planned the unrest around Ram Navami processions for political gains.
The chargesheet names 43 accused, including 20 arrested by state police and two arrested by the NIA.
Investigators reported recovering swords, explosives and gunpowder during the probe; all accused are currently out on bail.
- Who
- The National Investigation Agency named Shakir Ali and 42 others as accused; Ali is the husband of a former Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member.
- What
- The NIA filed a chargesheet alleging that Ali was the mastermind behind violence during 2023 Ram Navami processions.
- When
- The violence occurred in 2023; the chargesheet was filed on Wednesday, and Ali was arrested in June this year.
- Where
- Rishra and other areas of Hooghly district, West Bengal.
- Why
- The NIA alleged that Shakir Ali and his aides planned the unrest for political gains.
- Investigating agency
- National Investigation Agency
- Case
- 2023 Ram Navami violence in Hooghly district
- Total accused
- 43 people
- Arrests
- 20 by state police and two by the NIA
- Key accused
- Shakir Ali, a Rishra Municipality Ward 4 councillor
- Reported recoveries
- Swords, explosives and gunpowder
- Current bail status
- All accused named in the chargesheet, including Ali, are out on bail