Bengal faces escalating violence, unrest, and public despair amid deepening administrative and communal crises.
NEW DELHI: Once celebrated for its vibrant culture, intellectual legacy, and artistic excellence, Bengal now finds itself overshadowed by growing violence, communal unrest, and administrative failures. Over the past year and a half, the state has been engulfed in a wave of turmoil—ranging from political conflicts and communal strife to widespread social unrest. This persistent instability is taking a serious toll on everyday citizens, who are grappling with fear, uncertainty, and a deep sense of disillusionment, whether in rural areas or urban centres.
Incidents such as those in Sandeshkhali, R.G. Kar, and, most recently, Murshidabad, have only intensified public anxiety. The unrelenting cycle of conflict has pushed the population to the edge. Many now feel abandoned by those in authority and increasingly disillusioned with the institutions meant to safeguard their well-being. In this atmosphere of uncertainty, citizens have appealed to West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, urging his intervention to restore peace and order. Their demand goes beyond political solutions—they are calling for a return to a life marked by safety, stability, and dignity.
To uncover the ground reality, The Sunday Guardian spoke with several individuals affected by the recent outbreak of violence in Bengal, which erupted during protests against the proposed Waqf Bill.
A 25-year-old woman, speaking on condition of anonymity, recounted the terrifying ordeal. She revealed that during the violence, the attackers showed no mercy, targeting women and children alike.
“They dragged us out of our homes, set our houses on fire, and even assaulted the women and children,” she said, describing the horror she faced.
Another victim shared a similar experience, “It started with stone-pelting. Then the mob used blunt weapons to smash our windows and doors. They stormed in without any warning, destroyed our kitchen, and attacked us brutally.”
She added, “Our house was completely burnt down. We will only feel safe returning if a permanent BSF camp is set up in our locality.”
The aftermath of such traumatic events has left public anger simmering in violence-hit areas like Domkal and Jafrabad. Speaking to the media, one resident demanded permanent deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), stating that the community has lost all faith in the Bengal Police. According to several eyewitnesses, local police failed to offer any protection. Residents remained trapped in the conflict zones, pleading for their lives until Central forces finally arrived and intervened.
Following intervention by the Calcutta High Court, more than 20 companies of CAPF have now been deployed in the region to stabilise the situation and restore order.
Similar scenes of fear and displacement have unfolded in Malda, where many have sought refuge in relief camps. With no safe passage, several residents took to boats to cross the river, finding temporary shelter in a local school where they received food and water.
A resident from Murshidabad, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, shared his experience of fleeing as violence engulfed his neighbourhood.
“The mob stormed our house while we hid on the terrace. The next evening, we crossed the river by boat. We left with nothing,” he said.
He voiced a concern shared by many, “The police and BSF will eventually leave. Who will protect us then?”
A woman, cradling her eight-day-old infant, recounted how she fled her village on the opposite side of the Ganga River.
“We hid until the violence subsided and only left once the Central forces started patrolling the area,” she said.
“Along with others, I made my way to the ghat with help from the Central forces.” Her uncertainty about ever returning home lingers.
The violence, sparked by outrage over the new Waqf law, has already claimed three lives. Among the deceased are Ejaz Ahmad, who succumbed to bullet injuries, and a father-son duo—Hargobind Das (72) and Chandan Das (40)—who were brutally dragged from their home and killed by a mob. While the police have made over 250 arrests and claim the situation is returning to normal, displaced families remain fearful and skeptical, unsure if true normalcy will return to their lives anytime soon.
Several women have also come forward, claiming they endured horrific molestation during the recent unrest. Amid the widespread chaos and mob violence, these women suffered physical and sexual abuse, causing deep trauma and emotional distress. Despite the fear of backlash and social stigma, many have spoken out, demanding justice and immediate action against the perpetrators. Their accounts shed light on the terrifying reality women face in such violent circumstances and underscore the urgent need for accountability, protection, and lasting security in affected communities.
Meanwhile, taking serious note of the incident, the National Commission for Women (NCW) announced the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the alleged molestation and displacement of women during the recent communal violence in Murshidabad. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar took suo motu cognisance of the matter and will visit the affected areas to assess the situation and meet with the victims.
Additionally, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has stated that it will send a team from its investigation division to conduct an on-site inquiry, given the seriousness of the situation. According to sources, the inquiry report is expected to be submitted within three weeks.