Murshidabad’s Beldanga witnessed intense protests on Friday after the death of 37-year-old Alauddin Shaikh, a migrant hawker whose body was found hanging in his Jharkhand residence on Thursday. His family alleges he was beaten to death due to his Bengali origin. Villagers staged a dramatic protest by placing his body on National Highway 12, halting traffic for five hours and temporarily suspending train services.
The demonstrations turned violent, with at least four to five journalists, including women reporters, attacked while covering the unrest. Several required hospitalisation, raising concerns over press safety. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed regret over the incidents but cautioned about the challenges of policing volatile crowds.
The incident sparked political clashes between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition BJP. Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of attempting to incite communal unrest, pointing out the protests coincided with Friday (Jummabar), a day of significance for the minority community. She emphasized that her administration is investigating all attacks on migrant workers.
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Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari criticised the state government, calling the situation “lawlessness on full display” and alleging that anti-social elements had taken control of NH-12 and local train routes. He demanded stricter action from the administration to restore order and protect citizens.
TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee spoke with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, urging immediate action against those responsible. Hemant Soren assured that the Jharkhand police had launched a high-level investigation and that the perpetrators would be apprehended swiftly.
The blockade was eventually lifted after five hours following interventions from the district Superintendent of Police and District Magistrate, who provided assurances to the grieving family. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also visited the family to offer condolences and support, highlighting the human impact of the unrest.
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