Temple Vandalism in Maheshtala Sparks Violence in South 24 Parganas; 40 Arrested Amid Tensions Over Shop Dispute

Tension escalated in West Bengal’s Maheshtala in South 24 Parganas following a violent clash between two groups, sparked by the alleged vandalism of a Shiva temple.

In response, authorities imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and deployed heavy police forces to restore order.

Violence Over Shop Construction Near Temple

According to police sources, the unrest stemmed from a dispute over the construction of shops in front of a Shiva temple. Local residents opposed the move and constructed a small Tulsi Mandir, allegedly triggering violence.

Eyewitnesses reported that mobs pelted stones, torched vehicles, and clashed with police outside Rabindranagar Police Station.

“Bricks were hurled from rooftops, tyres were set ablaze on the roads, and miscreants torched a motorbike in front of the police station,” said a police officer.

“Several police vehicles were damaged, and at least one police personnel was left bleeding after being hit by a brick.”

Police Response and Injuries

To control the situation, tear gas shells were fired and reinforcements, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and personnel from Kolkata, were brought in.

Several police officers, including a woman constable, sustained injuries. So far, 40 people have been arrested, and further raids are ongoing. “Raids are presently underway, and additional personnel remain deployed,” a police officer said.

BJP Criticises State Government

The BJP launched a political offensive in the wake of the incident. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari protested outside the West Bengal Police headquarters in Alipore, demanding central forces be deployed.

He accused the state government of remaining inactive during the violence.

“The Hindu community in Rabindranagar has been subjected to looting, arson, and violence for hours while the police watched silently,” Adhikari said.

“Several police vehicles were set on fire, yet there was no effective intervention.”

Adhikari also claimed that Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar refused to meet him. “Despite such grave attacks on police, the top brass seem indifferent. I will move Calcutta High Court tomorrow seeking urgent intervention and central forces,” he added.

BJP IT Cell Chief shared on X: “West Bengal is burning in communal fire once again and Hindus are the target. This is not governance. This is total surrender to mob rule all for vote-bank politics. West Bengal Home Minister Mamata Banerjee is silent.”

Adhikari, along with several BJP MLAs and Hindu monks, alleged that residents in the area were making desperate calls for protection. “This is a complete breakdown of governance,” he said.

TMC Accuses BJP of Politicising Local Dispute

Trinamool Congress (TMC) dismissed BJP’s allegations, accusing the party of politicising a local issue.

“All necessary steps have been taken to control the situation. The police acted swiftly and with firmness,” said TMC spokesperson and state general secretary Kunal Ghosh. “The BJP is trying to give a communal colour to what was essentially a dispute over setting up a shop.”

Police Assure Firm Action

Additional Superintendent of Police Mithun Dey warned of strict action. “We will be very harsh on whoever it is. Strict punishment within a very short time will be given. That is for sure, whoever it is irrespective of political affiliation or religious status,” he stated.

“We have observed that a few Hindu fanatics are trying to create trouble; we will be equally very harsh on them.”

TMC Leaders Condemn Violence

Kolkata Mayor and senior TMC leader Firhad Hakim condemned the violence and wished a speedy recovery to the injured police. “We strongly condemn the BJP’s attempt to communalise and politicise a sensitive issue,” he said. “The BJP is attempting to disturb the peace and harmony of Bengal.”

Law and Order Under Control

The Diamond Harbour Police confirmed that the situation is now under control. “Three cases have been registered in connection with the clashes and 29 people have been arrested so far,” police said on X. “Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita is in place to maintain peace in the area.”

Political Fallout Intensifies

The clash over a shop near the temple quickly escalated, turning the Rabindranagar area into a battleground. Police confirmed five injuries and damage to several vehicles.

Among the injured was Kolkata Police DC Port Harikrishnan Pai, whose official vehicle was vandalised. AOC Metiabruz’s vehicle was also attacked, and several bikes were set ablaze.

BJP Accuses Mamata Government of Appeasement

Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar also reacted strongly. He accused the state of “Muslim appeasement” and blamed the Mamata Banerjee government for repeated attacks on Bengali Hindus.

In a post on X, Majumdar wrote: “A Shiva temple was vandalised right in front of a police station and local Hindus were attacked. Yet the police didn’t act against the attackers.”

He referenced similar incidents in Malda and Murshidabad, alleging a consistent pattern of police inaction. “All of this happened in front of the police, yet they did nothing. They were assaulted, but didn’t dare to strike back,” he said.

Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari also criticised the state government on X, calling the situation “a complete breakdown of governance and administration.”