Murshidabad Violence: 12 West Bengal Labourers Arrested From Odisha For Allegedly Attacking Hindus During Eid Visit

On Monday (21 April), West Bengal Police reported the detention of approximately 12 individuals from the Jharsuguda district in Odisha, linked to the violent incidents in the Murshidabad district against Waqf Amendment Act.

A senior Odisha Police officer informed PTI that the individuals were apprehended by the Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police.

Two sons of Ziaul Sheikh, a primary suspect in the killing of the father-son duo in Jafrabad, Murshidabad, were among those who were arrested, according to the statement.

Earlier, the key conspirator, Sheikh, who was directly involved in the dual murder, was arrested from Uttar Dinajpur.

Following their detainment, they were transported to the Banharpali police station to undergo questioning, the police officer further stated.

These individuals were previously employed as laborers in Bundubahal, located within the jurisdiction of the Banharpal police station.

During Eid, they had returned to their home in Murshidabad and were reportedly involved in the violence, according to his statement. After the outbreak of violence, they retreated to Jharsuguda and remained concealed, as he stated.

"The people detained by the STF are being questioned, and their mobile phones are being verified to ascertain their presence in Murshidabad on the day of the violence. Based on the prima facie evidence, action will be taken," the officer was quoted as saying.

During the protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act in parts of Murshidabad, violence erupted resulting in the death of three individuals. Additionally, numerous people suffered injuries and a significant number of Hindu shops and residences were subjected to vandalism.