Chief Minister to address victims and inspect damage in Suti and Shamsherganj
MURSHIDABAD — Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit the violence-hit areas of Murshidabad on Monday, May 5, following last month’s communal unrest that claimed three lives and left dozens injured. The violence, which erupted over disputes related to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, resulted in significant damage to homes and public property in Suti and Shamsherganj blocks.
According to government officials, Banerjee will meet with affected families, assess the extent of the destruction firsthand, and oversee the rollout of relief measures.
Over 300 homes damaged, ₹10 lakh compensation per victim announced
Preliminary assessments by the district administration have confirmed that 316 homes were either partially or completely destroyed during the clashes. The state has sanctioned financial assistance under the Bangla Awas Yojana, with ₹10 lakh in compensation being allotted for each of the deceased victims’ families.
Additionally, rehabilitation grants and construction materials will be distributed to those whose homes were damaged. “We want to ensure that no one is left behind,” said a senior official from the state’s Disaster Management Department.
TMC faces criticism, BJP and ISF demand CBI probe
Opposition parties, including the BJP and Indian Secular Front (ISF), have demanded a CBI investigation into the violence, alleging police inaction and political interference. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari called the visit “an eyewash,” accusing the government of downplaying communal tensions in the region.
The ISF, which has a presence in the area, has accused both the TMC and BJP of politicising the issue for electoral gain. “This is about safety and justice, not politics,” said ISF spokesperson Fazlur Rehman.
Tight security arrangements ahead of CM’s visit
The state has deployed additional paramilitary forces in sensitive pockets of Murshidabad ahead of Banerjee’s visit. Local police stations have been instructed to remain on high alert, and district magistrate Rajesh Kumar has held coordination meetings to ensure smooth operations on Monday.
Banerjee is expected to address a press conference during her visit and may announce long-term rehabilitation plans, including infrastructure restoration and community reconciliation initiatives.
