What Sparked the Tensions in Maheshtala? A Closer Look at the Recent Clashes

Tensions Rise in Maheshtala, West Bengal

In Kolkata's Maheshtala area, tensions have escalated as police intervened against ongoing protests, resulting in 18 arrests as of Thursday. The crackdown, a collaborative effort between the West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police, began late Wednesday and continued into Thursday morning following clashes that erupted the previous afternoon.

Of the arrests, 14 occurred on Wednesday night, with an additional four apprehended early Thursday, according to a senior police official. Despite these actions, the atmosphere in Maheshtala remained charged, with many shops closed and foot traffic significantly reduced compared to typical days.

A substantial police presence, including members of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), has been deployed to reassure the community. Authorities have also imposed restrictions on public gatherings to maintain order.

Suvendu Adhikari, the opposition leader in the West Bengal Assembly, has sought permission from the Director General of Police and the local police superintendent to visit Maheshtala. He aims to express solidarity with affected Hindu families and shopkeepers who faced violence on Wednesday.

Adhikari emphasized the importance of understanding the grievances of the victims and hopes the administration will not hinder his visit. Meanwhile, Amit Malviya, the BJP's IT Cell Chief, condemned the situation, likening it to past communal riots in Bangladesh and Pakistan, asserting that women in Maheshtala are now forced to take measures for their safety.

The clashes on Wednesday resulted in the destruction of several vehicles and attacks on police personnel, with some officers sustaining injuries while trying to quell the unrest. The police have attributed the violence to a dispute between two groups over shop placements, while Adhikari insists the incidents were driven by communal tensions.

He accused miscreants of vandalizing a Shiva Temple in Ward No. 7, claiming they encroached on temple land to set up shops. When confronted, these individuals allegedly attacked nearby Hindu establishments and homes, all occurring near the Rabindra Nagar Police Station, where police were present but failed to intervene.

Adhikari further claimed that attacks on Hindus and their properties have become increasingly common in West Bengal, suggesting that the police could have mitigated the situation earlier had they called for reinforcements sooner.