Communal clashes replacing rule of Democracy in Bengal

There is simply no end to incidents involving communal hatred in Bengal and truly, even if Hindus have been able to defend themselves at some places, they have been overwhelmed in the majority of cases brutally thanks to the soft spot of governance to minority community.    

On April 2, 2014, it was 10.30 pm at Simulberia within the jurisdiction of the police station of Dholahat in the district of South 24 Paraganas when a team turned up to implant a tube well. Even if the appearance at such a time amazed locals a lot, they preferred to remain silent as the need of another tube well especially before the formal onset of summertime was felt in the area badly. The job was unabated and then only, Rezaul, a member of the team and inebriated highly then, proceeded to the nearby house. The house belongs to Dilip Banerjee, a decent individual in the area but he was out of the town for official purpose. However, his wife and 3 children were there and at that time the whole family was sleeping in the veranda due to the scorching seat.  On the word of locals, Rezaul entered the house sneakily and to satisfy his own carnal desire, he virtually pounced down on Mrs. Banerjee and molested her. She woke up at once and raised an alarm making lots rush to her residence. Rezaul was caught red-handed and also thrashed highly. The intensity of anger even prevented his team mates from saving him. When Rezaul prayed for clemency, villagers asked him to pay Rs. 20, 000 as penalty. The amount, soon after, was negotiated at Rs. 10, 000. Rezaul agreed to pay the money by the next morning. He has not been found in Sumulberia or its environs thereafter; the fine is yet to be paid.     

On April 10, 2014, the village of Lambadarpur within the Suri police station’s jurisdiction in the district of Birbhum experienced an uncanny development though the same is becoming common in the state increasingly now. A few Muslim youths in the locality wrecked the temple of Bajrangbali at 4 pm all of a sudden and even tore off a few saffron flags collected to decorate the podium there. A few green flags were planted instead. Hindus had desired a Bajrangbali temple in the area for long and hence, this dastardly act proved to be enough to make them livid with rage.  However, Hindus didn’t act spontaneously and instead, they submitted a mass petition to the local police station at 7 pm demanding immediate arrest of the culprits. Even though the petition signed by all Hindu villagers was registered, police remained indisposed to arrest them. And this languorous stance infuriated Hindus more making them to act all alone. Within a short time, the attackers including Rakesh Sheikh, Jasim Sheikh and a few others were grabbed and beaten hollow. The situation went out of control and feeling that it could worsen more, police stepped in and arrested the Muslim youths incriminated to defile the Hindu temple. As per fresh news, local Trinamool Congress is making all efforts to release the culprits and even Hindus in the village have been requested to make a truce. Hindus in Lambadarpur are disinclined to listen to them.

Now, it is for the readers to decide whether Bengal is proceeding towards a period of uncertainty when a communally charged atmosphere and might will replace the rule of democracy.  

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.