The Calcutta High Court has mandated that the district magistrate (DM) and the superintendent of police (SP) of Malda, West Bengal, provide an action taken report concerning recent community clashes in the Mothabari area. The directive was issued on Friday by a division bench comprising Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das De, amidst escalating tensions following the violence.
The court emphasized the need for the state to act cautiously and take appropriate measures to safeguard the safety and security of the populace affected by the clashes. “The state is required to preserve and protect the imprescriptible right of its citizens,” Justice Sen noted during the proceedings. The bench also underscored that restoring peace and public confidence is a critical responsibility of the state authorities.
Immediate actions, including the arrest of offenders involved in the violence, were ordered by the court. The Malda DM and SP are to file the detailed action taken report by April 3, which will also include an assessment of footage, video clippings, and social media uploads shared by the petitioner with the advocate on record for the state.
The directive follows a public interest litigation (PIL) that brought the court’s attention to the arson and violence that erupted in Mothabari. According to the state counsel, rapid measures were taken by local administration in response to the incident that occurred on Thursday. He informed the court that 300 police personnel, including senior officials, have been deployed to prevent any further disturbances.
Officials reported that in the aftermath of the clashes, thirty-four individuals were arrested and internet services were suspended in the Mothabari area and its vicinities to control the situation. The area remained tense yet under control with a significant police presence.
The violence reportedly began after a religious procession passed by a place of worship on Wednesday evening, which escalated into arson, vandalism, and assaults. The police have taken those identified in video footage into custody, with the rest being placed in judicial custody.
