Malda Violence: Situation Tense, Hundreds Gather on the Streets

The alleged blasphemous comments by Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha leader Kamlesh Tiwari led to violence in Malda in WB

Kamlesh Tiwari’s derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad during a speech led to violent protests by Muslims. (Photo Courtesy: CNN IBN)

A massive protest by members of the Muslim community in Malda against the controversial comments made by Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha leader Kamlesh Tiwari led to tension in West Bengal’s Malda district on Sunday.

Police vehicles were burnt including one belonging to the Border Security Force (BSF). Malda’s Kaliachak police station was ransacked by a violent crowd at Sujapur area in the district.

Thousands of protesters marched with green flags on National Highway (NH)-34 on Sunday protesting against Kamlesh Tiwari’s derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad. The Times of India had in a report said that Tiwari, president of Hindu Mahasabha, had called Prophet Muhammad the first homosexual in the world, in a press note that he issued.

Several Cops Injured

The violence broke out when the protesters put a North Bengal State Transport Corporation bus on fire that was trying to cross the rally.

When police reached, a clash broke out injuring several cops on duty. As tension gripped the area, shops were shut down. “The situation is now under control. Raids are on and no arrests have been made so far,” said the police official.

BJP attacked the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal over the ‘rampaging communalism’ in Malda, alleging that the accused behind it are indulging in violence under its protection.

<p>Communalism is on a rampage in Malda. A police station has been burnt down, innocents are being attacked and there is mayhem... Those who are doing it, are doing so under the protection of West Bengal government. It is not taking any substantial action. It was a ‘very serious’ issue as the violence had been going on for hours.</p>

<b>Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Union Minister at a press conference </b>

“People who have gone out of control and stoking communal tension must be dealt with severely to restore a sense of security,” he said, adding the government was soft on them.