Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari Saturday met with the victims of the Maheshtala communal violence and provided them financial relief at a BJP party office in South Kolkata.
After meeting 23 affected families, Adhikari told media persons, “In the last 48 hours, there has been no initiative by the state government, municipal or district administration, police administration, or even local councillors, MLAs, or MPs to provide compensation to the victims. That’s why the BJP has taken the initiative to stand by the affected people.”
Requesting everyone not to reveal the identities of the victims, he said, “Women are also being threatened. An atmosphere of fear has been created there. Therefore, like Dhulian and Shamsherganj, paramilitary forces should be deployed there immediately, and there should be a route march. But the state government will not do this, and the central government does not have this authority.”
The BJP leader stated that he had full faith in the court, and added, “The court is hearing this matter again on Monday. I hope that by next week, the court will come forward to end the insecurity and the atmosphere of fear that is prevailing in the outskirts of Kolkata.”
Adhikari also demanded a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the Maheshtala communal violence. He further said, “Since I am not being allowed to go there even though I have given two consecutive letters, I will go to Maheshtala, too, with the permission of the court, like in Mothabari, Sandeshkhali, Dhulian, or Shamsherganj. I hope the court will give me that permission. I will go there and see the affected Hindu families…”
On Wednesday afternoon, clashes broke out at Ward Number 7 in Maheshtala over the setting up of a shop. It took a communal turn with some people alleging that a ‘tulsi mancha’ (a platform for a holy basil plant) was vandalised. The violence between the two groups quickly escalated, with mobs throwing stones at the police personnel who tried to control the situation.
Till now, around 40 people have been arrested for their role in the violence. About a dozen personnel of the Kolkata Police, including the deputy commissioner of the Port area, were injured in the clashes. Seven FIRs have been registered in connection with the violence.
Adhikari has filed a Public Interest Litigation in the Calcutta High Court demanding CRPF deployment in the area. He also filed a petition seeking permission from the Calcutta High Court to visit Maheshtala.