Right to life threatened, says Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose in violence-hit Murshidabad

Kolkata: West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Saturday visited the violence-hit areas of Murshidabad-Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and Suti-where communal clashes broke out earlier this month over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Bose said he would take up the matter "through appropriate channels in an appropriate manner," calling it his "constitutional obligation" to protect lives and property.

"As governor, it's my duty to act as a rainbow bridge between the Centre and the state. When it comes to protecting lives, there's no difference of opinion. The right to life has been threatened, fear psychosis has set in, and we must act," Bose said after his visit.

In Jafrabad, the Governor met the grieving family of Haragobinda Das (72) and his son Chandan Das (40), who were brutally murdered in their home. Meeting Bose in tears, the family demanded justice.


Bose also visited affected residents in Benbona and Dhuliyan, where locals demanded stronger security and the permanent presence of BSF forces. "People said there was no one to protect them. Vested interest groups are fostering a cult of violence. Misguided elements seeking dominance through bloodshed bring no credit to a civilised society," he said.

Calling the visit "insightful," Bose assured that every complaint had been heard. "People want peace and justice. Reports will be sent to appropriate authorities," he added, noting although the situation was under control, the psychological scars remain.

He confirmed that with the deployment of state and central forces, normalcy had returned, but several demands-especially for a permanent BSF camp-would be forwarded to concerned authorities. Raj Bhavan has also shared helpline numbers from its "peace room" with affected families.

Earlier on Friday, the Governor also visited displaced families from Murshidabad now housed in a relief camp at a school in Malda.

NCW Team Meets Women
A National Commission for Women (NCW) team visited Dhuliyan, Jafrabad, and Betbona on Saturday, following Friday's visit to displaced women in Malda's Baishnabnagar. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said the situation was "unbearable to witness" and assured that help would be extended.

Women recounted harrowing experiences, saying they hadn't slept for nights and feared retribution once the BSF withdrew.

Communal clashes broke out on April 11 in Murshidabad's Shamsherganj, Suti, Dhuliyan, and Jangipur during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leaving three dead. Many families fled to neighbouring Malda to escape further violence.