7 months ago
Calcutta HC urges central forces in Beldanga
There was a lot of fighting and trouble in a place called Beldanga in West Bengal.
The court in Kolkata said the state government should use special police from the central government to stop the violence.
The fighting started after a man from West Bengal was killed in another state.
Some people blocked roads and trains, and there was a lot of damage.
The court told the police and local leaders to protect people and their property.
Some people were caught for causing trouble.
The state government said they already have special police there and things are calm now.
The court wants the central government to help if more police are needed.
Calcutta High Court urged West Bengal government to deploy central forces to prevent recurring violence in Beldanga.
Violence erupted on January 16-17 over the death of Alauddin Sheikh, a migrant worker from Murshidabad killed in Jharkhand.
Protesters blocked NH-12 for 6 hours and vandalized railway property, leading to 30 arrests.
Court directed state and central governments to file an affidavit within 15 days on the matter.
State government claims five companies of central forces are already deployed, and the situation is under control.
- Who
- Petitioner (unnamed) and lawyer Billwadal Bhattachara, West Bengal government, Central government
- What
- Calcutta High Court urges deployment of central forces and NIA probe into Beldanga violence
- Where
- Beldanga, Murshidabad district, West Bengal
- When
- January 19, 2025 (hearing), January 16-17, 2025 (incident)
- Why
- Recurring violence and destruction over alleged attacks on migrant workers
Petitioners' Side
State Government's Side
Deployment of Central Forces
Petitioners' Side
Immediate deployment of CRPF and NIA investigation needed due to ongoing violence and destruction.
State Government's Side
Five companies of central forces already deployed; situation is under control.
Nature of Violence
Petitioners' Side
Complete carnage, mass destruction, and targeting of minorities (Hindus) occurred.
State Government's Side
Violence was in response to the death of a migrant worker; situation brought under control.
Preventive Measures
Petitioners' Side
Preplanned attacks and recurring violence require stronger preventive measures.
State Government's Side
Normalcy restored; businesses running normally with no panic in the area.
Key facts
- Location
- Beldanga, Murshidabad district, West Bengal
- Incident Dates
- January 16-17, 2025
- Petitioner's Lawyer
- Billwadal Bhattachara
- High Court Bench
- Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen
- Arrests Made
- 30
- Journalist Assault
- Yes, 4 arrested including Matiur Rahman
- NH-12 Blockade Duration
- 6 hours
- Central Forces Deployed
- Five companies of BSF and CRPF
- Victim's Name
- Alauddin Sheikh
- NIA Probe
- Suggested by the court under NIA Act
Timeline
Jharkhand death sparks Murshidabad unrest.
Calcutta High Court deploys central forces to violence-ridden Beldanga.
Quotes
Calcutta High Court
The judicial body that issued the order.
“In our opinion, the repeated incidents in Murshidabad are worrisome. Effective and immediate measures are required to be taken...The state must utilise the central armed forces already deployed in Murshidabad. Ensure that no repetition of such incidents takes place.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Bengal Lok Bhavan urges authorities to take proactive measures to prevent violence
Murshidabad: Violence Breaks Out Over Voter List Objections
Mob Fury at 2 BDO Offices over SIR in West Bengal
PIL in Cal HC seeking deployment of central forces in violence-hit Beldanga
‘Utilise central forces’: Calcutta HC directs Bengal govt to act over recurring incidents of violence in Beldanga
Calcutta HC Orders Central Forces in Murshidabad; Open to NIA Probe
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