The Calcutta High Court fact-finding committee’s report on the communal violence in Murshidabad’s Dhuliyan area in April 2025:
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The committee highlighted a notable “inactivity and absence” of the local police during the violence, particularly on April 11, 2025, when the main attacks occurred.
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It stated that the violence was directed by Mehboob Alam, a former chairman of Dhuliyan Municipality (not a local councillor as mistakenly referenced in the report), who allegedly came with a group of miscreants on April 11. An MLA was also reportedly present during the violence but left after witnessing the initial vandalism.
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The report detailed that the majority of violence started after 2:30 pm on April 11, with attackers concealing their identities by covering their faces. A garment mall was looted, and a large number of houses—113 in the village of Betbona alone—were badly damaged.
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Many residents initially fled to Malda for shelter but were later forced to return by the police administration, as alleged in the report.
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The committee documented a brutal murder case of two individuals: Haragovinda Das (74) and his son Chandan Das (40). They were reportedly attacked inside their home, with the assailants breaking down the door, dragging out the victims, and killing them with an axe.
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Several temples were destroyed in the violence, indicating targeted communal attacks.
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The Calcutta High Court bench, led by Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury, emphasized the victims’ need for “individualized and customized rehabilitation packages.” They stressed appointing qualified valuation experts to assess damage and ensure fair compensation.
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Prior to this, the West Bengal government had reported to the court that violence from April 8 to 12 was linked to protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, and claimed that police and civil administration had brought the situation under control in affected areas like Suti, Dhuliyan, Samserganj, and Jangipur.
Overall, the committee’s report underlines serious lapses in police response, politically charged violence allegedly orchestrated by a local political figure, and a severe impact on affected communities, including loss of life, property damage, and displacement. The High Court’s call for customized rehabilitation suggests recognition of the deep and varied harm caused by the communal unrest.
