Kolkata: West Bengal Police Director General Rajeev Kumar, who travelled across the trouble-torn Murshidabad district on Sunday, said the situation in the district is under control.
Speaking to the media after his visit to Murshidabad — which has witnessed communal tension over the last three days resulting in three deaths, said, “”The situation in Murshidabad is completely under control. I would request everyone not to pay attention to rumours. Stay alert. If you come across any information, inform the police.”
The Director General (DG) arrived in Murshidabad on Sunday morning after reports of unrest surfaced in several parts of the district, including Shamsherganj, Suti, and Dhulian, amid protests demanding the repeal of the amended Waqf Act.
“Yesterday we arrested 71 people. Police are conducting route marches to instil confidence among the people. We request you to call the police whenever there is a problem,” SP of Jangipur police district Ananda Roy said.
According to sources in the district police, the DG not only visited the violence-affected areas but also held a high-level meeting with the BSF to assess the situation and coordinate security measures.
Following Saturday’s Calcutta High Court order directing central forces to assist the state police in maintaining law and order in Murshidabad, five companies of central forces are currently deployed in the district.
Sources in the police said that the BSF – after their meeting with the DG – started route march in the affected areas of the district, accompanied by a large contingent of police personnel. BSF IG Karni Singh Shekhawat also reached Murshidabad on Sunday to oversee the situation.
“The BSF will remain deployed in the area for as long as the police require our presence. The jawans have been instructed to remain extra vigilant. We will cooperate with the police and provide them all necessary support,” a senior BSF official said.
According to the police, many residents of Dhulian and Shamsherganj have fled their homes, taking shelter in Baishnabnagar in Malda, while some have even crossed over to Jharkhand. The administration has dispatched relief materials to the affected families and is making efforts to reach out to them.
“The police are providing all possible assistance to those who have left their homes due to the unrest. If they wish to return, the police are fully prepared to support them in every way. I urge everyone not to leave their homes out of fear. The police are here to ensure your safety,” Roy said. UNI
