The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal has decided to address the violence that occurred during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has instructed the state police to investigate allegations of vandalism and arson that took place during the 2019 anti-CAA demonstrations. Following the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Bill in December 2019, protests against the CAA were widespread, including in West Bengal.
The government aims to take action against those accused of damaging government property under the pretext of the anti-CAA movement. A special cell within the state police has been formed to investigate complaints related to the protests. The Chief Minister has directed the police to set up this special cell in his Assembly constituency of Bhabanipur to address the allegations effectively.
The state government plans to recover compensation from individuals found guilty of the destruction of government property during the protests. Additionally, the Railway Police will collaborate in probing complaints of arson and looting across railway areas. Allegations of property destruction have been reported in various regions, including Murshidabad district and Uluberia area in Howrah, with incidents of vandalism and arson at police stations.
