'More than 200 arrested' for Murshidabad violence

Kolkata: Days after violence in Murshidabad district's Suti, Samserganj, Dhuliyan and Jangipur, West Bengal ADGP Javed Shamim (law & order) on Monday said more than 200 people have been arrested so far, adding that "bringing back normalcy" was the top priority.

BSF-Police 'Coordination'

BSF ADG (Eastern Command) Ravi Gandhi visited Malda and violence-affected areas on Monday. He was accompanied by South Bengal Frontier IG Karni Singh Shekhawat and other senior BSF officers.

Gandhi took stock of the situation and interacted with victims and locals and assured them of full security. "The situation is getting back to normal. We are doing area domination during the day and night. We are working in close coordination with state police and have substantially controlled the situation," Gandhi said. He reiterated the commitment of BSF towards early restoration of peace and full cooperation with the administration and police in this direction. He also said the safety of citizens is a top priority.

Gandhi also met DGP Rajeev Kumar and assured all possible cooperation. DGP Kumar said, "The situation is fully under control. I had a meeting with BSF ADG and we are working in close coordination."

Talking about the situation, ADG Shamim said, "Full normalcy would be restored soon. For the last 36 hours, there have been no reports of fresh violence. We are now putting all our efforts into bringing back normalcy."

Speaking about the people who fled to Malda after crossing Ganga, Shamim said, "Around 100-200 displaced people are in Baishnabnagar in a school. Once normalcy returns, most of them will come back. Malda Police took the initiative and brought some of them back."

After inaugurating a skywalk close to Kalighat temple, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said, "Please don't take the law in your hands. We have custodians of the law to protect you. Everyone has the right to hold peaceful democratic movements. It is a basic right. It is applicable to everyone. Please do not indulge in non-religious activities in the name of religion."

A BJP delegation led by state president Sukanta Majumdar reached Malda to meet the people from Murshidabad who have taken refuge in Baishnabnagar.