'Locals with deadly weapons': BJP claims police debunked Mamata's blame on 'outsiders' for Bengal violence

NEW DELHI: BJP leader Amit Malviya on Friday hit out at West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, claiming that state police reports had contradicted her statements on the recent communal violence in Murshidabad. He accused Banerjee of misleading the public by blaming "outsiders" for the unrest, while police reports pointed to the involvement of locals.
Mob comprised 'local youths' armed with 'deadly weapons'
In a post on X, Malviya shared excerpts from police reports, saying, "The West Bengal Police has effectively debunked Home Minister Mamata Banerjee’s claims regarding the recent communal violence in Murshidabad." According to him, the police confirmed that the mob involved in the April 11 violence at Sajur More comprised "local youths" carrying "deadly weapons," including bombs, and even "fired on the police."
'Intelligence inputs already warned of 'agitational programme''
Malviya said intelligence inputs had already warned of an agitational programme planned by locals after Friday prayers. He further alleged that violence escalated the following day in Dhuliyan, where mobs blocked highways, hurled stones, vandalised property, and targeted homes, shops, temples, and public infrastructure. On April 12, similar unrest was reported in Ghoshpara, where mobs allegedly attempted to attack Hindu homes.
"Contrary to Banerjee's suggestion that the violence was orchestrated by outsiders, intelligence inputs had already warned of an "agitational programme" planned by "some local people" following Jumma prayers," he wrote in the post.

"On April 12, unrest continued as an "agitated mob" attempted to vandalise homes belonging to Hindu families in Ghoshpara, under the jurisdiction of the Samsherganj police station," his post adde.
The communal clashes, which broke out in Shamsherganj, Suti, Dhulian and Jangipur on April 11 and 12 during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, left three people dead. So far, 274 individuals have been arrested in connection with rioting and vandalism. Paramilitary and state police forces remain deployed in the affected regions.
Political storm over Bengal violence
Since the outbreak of violence, Banerjee has blamed the BJP, BSF, and central agencies for stoking communal tensions in the state. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the BJP of doing "politics" over the issue rather than working to restore peace.
Bengal governor visits Malda
Meanwhile, West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose defied Banerjee's request to postpone his visit and travelled to Malda on Friday to meet those displaced by the violence. "I am going to the field," he told reporters in Kolkata before boarding a train.
Speaking to PTI, he said he would visit hospitals, relief camps, and residences to assess the situation first-hand and submit his recommendations.
"I will listen to the grievances of those in the camps, understand their needs and take proactive steps to redress them," Bose said after reaching Malda. Sources at Raj Bhavan indicated that he may travel to Murshidabad on Saturday.