Murshidabad, West Bengal, April 19, 2025: A team from the National Commission for Women (NCW) visited the violence-hit Murshidabad district in West Bengal on Saturday morning. Led by NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, the delegation met with victims of the violence and assured them of support from the central government to ensure their safety. After interacting with the victims, Rahatkar expressed her concern over the dire situation, stating, "The suffering these people are going through is inhuman. We will put their demands before the government."

Background of the Violence

The violence in Murshidabad erupted during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, and the affected individuals, who are reportedly all Hindus, were forced to flee their homes. The women, in particular, shared their distress with the NCW team, calling for the establishment of permanent BSF camps in some areas of the district for their protection. They also demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the communal clashes that occurred during the unrest. Rahatkar assured them that the central government was with them and that there was "no cause for worry," according to news agency PTI.

NCW’s Visit to Malda

The NCW team also visited a relief camp in Malda district on Friday afternoon, which is housing displaced people from Murshidabad. Rahatkar acknowledged that the commission had received reports of atrocities against women in Murshidabad. However, she emphasized the importance of gathering firsthand accounts from the victims themselves. "We have the reports, but we will go there and talk to the women, as atrocities against women are not accepted, and these things should not happen," she said. In response to the reports of sexual violence amid the communal clashes, the NCW has taken suo motu cognizance of the situation and formed an inquiry committee to investigate further.

Governor to Visit Riot-Hit Areas

Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose is also set to visit the riot-affected areas of Shamsherganj in Murshidabad on Saturday to assess the situation and interact with the affected residents. The Governor will later visit other strife-torn areas, including Dhulian, Suti, and Jangipur. Despite a request from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the Governor to refrain from visiting the district until the situation stabilizes, Bose decided to proceed with the visit.

BJP’s 'Save Bengali Hindus' Rally

The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP, is planning a ‘Save Bengali Hindus’ rally in Kolkata on Saturday. The rally will start from the ancestral home of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and will end at the residence of Dr Syama Prasad Mookherjee in Bhawanipur. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari is expected to attend the rally. The Calcutta High Court granted permission for the rally after the organizers filed a petition.

Casualties and Arrests

The violence, which erupted between April 8 and 12 in these Muslim-majority areas of West Bengal, resulted in at least three deaths. Over 274 people have been arrested in connection with the violence. In response, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and promised housing support under the Banglar Bari scheme for those who lost their homes during the unrest.