Police Arrest 30 in Beldanga Violence, Court Grants Custody to Cleric and Others
Police in Murshidabad's Beldanga made a significant move on Sunday. They arrested thirty people for their involvement in recent violent incidents. Among those detained was a forty-five-year-old cleric named Matiur Rehman.
Court Orders Police Custody and Jail Terms
A local court quickly addressed the cases. It remanded Matiur Rehman and nine other individuals to ten days in police custody. This decision allows investigators more time for questioning.
The court also sent twenty other accused persons to ten days in judicial custody. However, officials released one person. This individual received a diagnosis of psychological disabilities, leading to their discharge.
Tense Atmosphere and Police Presence
The Beldanga area remained tense following the arrests. Police and Rapid Action Force battalions conducted continuous flag marches. These visible patrols aimed to deter further unrest. Authorities reported no fresh incidents of violence after the police action.
Murshidabad Superintendent of Police Kumar Sunny Raj spoke to reporters. He explained the police strategy. "Our prime accused, Matiur Rahman, was provoking crowds and inciting violence over two days," Raj stated. "We monitored the situation closely to identify and act against those instigating unrest."
Political Connections and Condemnations
Investigations revealed possible political links. Matiur Rahman allegedly had associations with the AIMIM party in the past. AIMIM Murshidabad district president Asadul Sk clarified the current stance. "Rahman was with us earlier, but not now," Sk said. "AIMIM condemns the violence. We will help the administration restore peace."
Another political figure commented on the situation. Humayun Kabir, an expelled Trinamool leader and chairman of the newly formed Janata Unnayan Party, spoke to reporters. He confirmed Rahman is a local resident but did not specify any current political party affiliation.
Root Cause: Migrant Worker's Death Sparks Outrage
The violence reportedly began after a tragic incident outside West Bengal. A thirty-year-old man named Alauddin Sheikh from Beldanga died under unnatural circumstances in Jharkhand earlier last week. His death triggered the initial spate of local violence and protests.
Trinamool Congress MP and former cricketer Yusuf Pathan visited the Sheikh family on Sunday. He met with Alauddin's parents at their Beldanga residence to offer condolences.
"I strongly deplore the harassment and attacks on poor Bengali-speaking migrant workers," Pathan told reporters after the meeting. He specifically mentioned workers from Murshidabad and other parts of Bengal who travel outside the state for livelihoods.
Family's Plea and Government Response
Sona Biwi, the mother of the deceased Alauddin Sheikh, shared her grief with reporters. She expressed appreciation for Pathan's visit. "It was nice of him to come to our home," she said.
Her message was heartfelt and direct. "I had only one plea – no mother should lose their son like this. Children go to work outside Bengal to support their family and parents. What is their fault? These attacks against migrant workers outside Bengal should stop."
She also acknowledged government support. "The Bengal government kept in touch. We received compensation and a job promise," Sona Biwi added.
Political Counterclaims and Monitoring
Yusuf Pathan faced criticism from opposition parties. They alleged he failed to visit families of other migrant workers who faced harassment or death in different states.
Pathan dismissed these allegations firmly. "It is an attempt by the opposition to mislead people," he asserted. The MP explained his ongoing efforts. "I constantly monitored every case. Our supremo Mamata Banerjee and party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee receive regular feedback on these matters."
The situation in Beldanga highlights ongoing tensions surrounding migrant worker safety. It also shows the complex interplay between local incidents, political affiliations, and law enforcement responses in West Bengal.
