Communal Clashes Erupt During Ram Navami Rally in Jangipur, Murshidabad
At least fifteen individuals sustained injuries during violent communal clashes that erupted on Friday evening in Jangipur, located within West Bengal's Murshidabad district. The incident occurred as a Ram Navami rally was proceeding through the area, prompting a swift response from central security forces and local police who employed a lathicharge to quell the unrest. Authorities have since arrested twelve people and issued prohibitory orders to prevent further escalation of violence.
Dispute Over Flags Sparks Immediate Violence
According to police reports, the rally was passing through the bustling Fultala Traffic More area around 6 PM, a location flanked by two shopping centers. The confrontation reportedly began when rally participants and local residents engaged in a quarrel. The dispute centered on the use of saffron flags to cover existing green chain flags at the site. Later in the evening, a video surfaced showing an individual removing a saffron flag, adding to the tensions. Police are actively investigating both claims to determine the exact sequence of events.
Rapid Escalation Leads to Widespread Disruption
The initial disagreement quickly escalated, drawing a large crowd and devolving into intense brickbatting. Innocent bystanders and commuters returning home from work found themselves caught in the crossfire, contributing to the injury count. While most shops in the vicinity had already closed their shutters, a section of the mob proceeded to vandalize four establishments, causing property damage.
To disperse the violent crowd, personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) carried out a controlled lathicharge. These security forces remain stationed in the area to maintain order and prevent any recurrence of violence.
Authorities Respond and Investigate
Additional Director General (Law and Order) Ajey Ranade confirmed that police and central forces intervened promptly to restore calm. Deputy Inspector General Ajit Singh Yadav, who is currently camping at the site, stated that authorities are meticulously scanning CCTV footage to identify additional individuals involved in the clashes. This investigative effort aims to hold all perpetrators accountable under the law.
History of Communal Tensions in Jangipur
Jangipur has unfortunately witnessed repeated bouts of communal violence in recent years, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region:
- In April 2025, clashes erupted in the Suti and Samsherganj areas following protests related to the Waqf (Amendment) Act. This violence resulted in three fatalities and forced approximately 400 residents to flee to Malda for safety.
- During Ram Navami celebrations in 2024, violence broke out in Shaktipur and Beldanga after a crude bomb targeted a religious procession. That incident left twenty people injured, led to vehicles being torched, and involved the vandalism of a sitting MP's office.
The recurrence of such incidents underscores the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining communal harmony during religious festivals and processions in sensitive areas of Murshidabad district.
