Violence erupted in Bongaon's Thakurbari area on Wednesday, leaving twelve members of the All India Matua Mahasangha (AIMM) injured. The clash occurred between rival factions of the influential Matua community during a protest against a controversial statement made by Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur.
Peaceful Protest Turns Violent
Members of the AIMM faction loyal to Trinamool Congress MP Mamata Bala Thakur had organized a rally to protest against Shantanu Thakur's recent remarks. The minister, at a public meeting in Bagdah on Monday, had stated that if the deletion of 1 lakh Matua names from electoral rolls helped remove 50 lakh infiltrators, including Rohingyas and Bangladeshi Muslims, it would be an acceptable trade-off.
The protesting faction claimed they were assaulted by a rival group allegedly backed by the BJP when they attempted to march towards the minister's residence in Thakurbari, the nerve centre of the Matua community. Nantu Gosai, president of the AIMM-affiliated Gosai Parishad and a prominent figure in Mamata Bala's faction, was among the severely injured. He suffered blows to his head, chest, and waist and is currently receiving treatment in the ICU of Bongaon Jiban Ratan Dhar Sub-Divisional Hospital.
Allegations and Counter-Allegations Fly
Sukesh Chowdhury, general secretary of the Mamata Bala-led AIMM faction, filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Gaighata police station against five individuals alleged to be loyal to Shantanu Thakur. Chowdhury accused the police of inaction, claiming they were "mute spectators" despite prior intimation about the protest rally.
"We will block Jessore Road and gherao Gaighata police station if those named in the FIR are not arrested within 72 hours," Chowdhury warned, threatening to escalate the movement.
Mamata Bala Thakur accused the BJP of betraying the Matua community, alleging that many had paid money for documents they believed would secure Indian citizenship, only to feel duped now. She stated that Shantanu Thakur's remark had sparked widespread anger, leading to the attack on her supporters.
Minister Denies Charges, Blames Opponents
Shantanu Thakur, who is also Mamata Bala Thakur's nephew, categorically denied the allegations. He claimed his statement was misinterpreted and accused his aunt's supporters of attempting to attack his house with firearms and sticks.
"I never said 1 lakh Matua names would definitely be deleted," Thakur clarified. "I only meant that we must cooperate with the government to drive out those who persecuted us." He asserted that Matua devotees had stopped the attacking mob.
To control the volatile situation, a large police contingent, including personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Combat Force, was deployed in Thakurbari. The incident has highlighted the deep political fissures within the Matua community, a key vote bank in West Bengal, and raised serious questions about the upcoming electoral roll revision process.
