West Bengal BJP General Secretary Priyanka Tibrewal announced on Tuesday that she will file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Calcutta High Court over the recent violence in Murshidabad, alleging targeted attacks on Bengali Hindus and accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led state government of turning a blind eye.
Speaking to ANI in Kolkata, Tibrewal claimed that Bengali Hindus were being forced to flee their homes due to the state government’s inaction and alleged support for extremist elements.
“Today is Bengali New Year, and yet Hindu families in West Bengal are fleeing their homes. Why? Because the Chief Minister stands with jihadis. Some justify it by saying the displacement is only within Bengal – how is that acceptable?” she said.
Tibrewal, who had earlier filed a petition concerning the Sandeshkhali violence, stated that she would also include Murshidabad in her PIL and demand justice and compensation for the victims.
“I am filing a PIL in the Calcutta High Court tomorrow on both Sandeshkhali and Murshidabad. I’m asking for justice for those affected and demanding that the Mamata Banerjee government provide compensation,” she said.
The violence in Murshidabad erupted amid protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act and led to widespread destruction of property, especially in sensitive areas. Central forces have since been deployed to restore order, and patrolling continues in affected zones.
Trinamool Congress leader and state minister Firhad Hakim had earlier downplayed the issue, saying, “They are only migrating within Bengal. Bengal is safe for them. The situation is condemnable, but police will identify the culprits.”
Despite reassurances from the state administration, locals have reported extensive damage and fear. A local shopkeeper described the aftermath: “My building was destroyed. They smashed the glass, broke the doors, and looted whatever they could.”
As tension simmers in Murshidabad, the upcoming PIL adds to the mounting political heat over law and order in West Bengal.