Basanti Puja desecrated, destructed in South Dinajpur
Islamists
yet to be arrested; Hindus thrashed for protesting
According to villagers, the
Basanti Puja is being observed by tribal Hindus in the village for decades, if
not more, and this occasion plays a great role to assemble Hindus, cutting across
all differences, under a single front. It was Dashami or last day of the Puja on
9 th April and a fair was also going on in the premises of Dhalahat Primary School
as a part of the celebration. As people from all walks of life visit the fair,
presence of Muslims there, hence, is no wonder. On the fateful day, at 5 pm a
few Muslims were found to run a makeshift gambling casino. The endeavor was against
the principle of the religious fair and so, it astonished many people who lost
no time to inform the fair’s executive committee. Members of the committee went
there and asked Muslim youths to stop it immediately. But the proposal was
declined and it led to a fuss. Albeit there was no incitement, Islamists assailed
Hindu members of the committee with lethal weapons all of a sudden making all realize
that it was a premeditated design to foil the fair and also moral fiber of
Hindus. The vast presence of Islamists overpowered Hindu members of the
committee soon.
The rage of Islamists spread to other
directions fast and the Puja pandal turned into its sole target. After
ransacking the committee’s office, radical Muslims entered the pandal in
strength. The Holy Deity was defiled and then destructed by boots. No resister
was left unharmed and even Hindu women were molested by the violent mob. People who got severe injuries included Dilip
Murmu (age 40), Gobinda Murmu (18), Sayla Saren (20),
Falku Saren (21), Ananta Sarkar (22), Rabin Murmu (28). Women who became
victims of molestation included Padamoni Hansda (age 28),
Pinki Murmu (30), Saily Kisku (35). It has
been learnt, Dilip Murmu is admitted in Harirampur Hospital at
the moment and is in a critical condition now.
The news of murderous assault by
Islamists did spread like a wild fire in the locality; remnants of the
destructed Holy Deity angered Hindus most. The enraged mob comprising tribal
and non-tribal Hindus started protesting and from 8 pm, they blocked Itahar – Daulatpur Road demanding immediate arrest of the felons. Even if the police of Harirampur
PS was duly informed of the entire development, it steered clear of mitigating the
situation. At 2 am, a large contingent of RAF along with police turned up at
the spot and without any warning, they charged at the protestors to lift the blockade.
Several people got inured while 11 protestors were arrested. What followed next
is a gross violation of Indian legal system; without having consent of Hindus,
the desecrated and destructed Holy Deity was immersed by police in the pond.
Even
if police has claimed to arrest people from both communities (Hindus are
completely innocent in this case), locals confirm that no Islamist has been
taken into custody yet. What’s more, Anikul Islam,
s/o, Anisur, Sadikul Islam, s/o, Anisur, Minarul Islam, s/o, Thamba Islam, all
resident of Manohara Dangapara who allegedly led the assault have been found to
roam freely.
Hindu Samhati regularly
monitors and reports violations against Hindus in West Bengal. We also work
with both governmental and NGO agencies for proper education on protection and
ensure remedies to the Hindu populace as per prevailing law of the land.
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