Five additional individuals have been apprehended in connection with the recent violent protest in Beldanga, Murshidabad district. The arrests were made based on evidence from social media videos and CCTV footage, bringing the total number of arrests to 36. Among those arrested are Noor Alam, Rabiul Islam, Noor Alam Molla, Ladim Sheikh, and Tufail Sheikh.
Murshidabad Superintendent of Police, Sunny Raj, confirmed the arrests, stating that the individuals were identified through CCTV footage and social media videos. They are scheduled to appear before the Berhampore court on Tuesday afternoon. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed at Calcutta High Court requesting the deployment of central forces in the violence-affected Beldanga area.
Tensions have been high in Murshidabad since a migrant worker’s death in Jharkhand triggered protests. The situation escalated with demonstrations in Beldanga, where protesters blocked roads and railways, demanding justice for the deceased worker. The unrest led to clashes between locals and law enforcement, resulting in arrests and police intervention to restore order.
Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, had urged the deployment of central paramilitary forces in Beldanga. Prior to the recent arrests, 31 individuals, including a leader of the AIMIM party, had been detained in connection with the incident. Police had to resort to lathi-charge to disperse the protesters and clear blockades in the area.
