Malda Mayhem: 10 people arrested; BJP slams Trinamool for violence

Malda, Jan 6: Even though the self-proclaimed Hindu leader Kamlesh Tiwari is behind bars in Lucknow, over his alleged derogattory remarks against Prophet Mohammad, but Muslims in Malda district of West Bengal are refusing to stop their outrage and violent protests.

A mob protesting against the alleged blasphemous comments by a right wing Hindutva leader had recently resorted to violence in Kaliachak area of Malda district of West Bengal on Sunday, Jan 3. [Malda violence explained: Muslim mob ransack police stations, burn vehicles]

Injured man's poor family hopes for help

A young RSS activist Gopal Tiwari, who sustained a gunshot at his left leg, during the violence and is recuperating at a private hospital, told a leading daily that the Muslim mob were raising slogans against the Modi government and PM Narendra Modi."

Gopal works as a priest at Shani Mandir and his father is a daily wage labourer. Due to financial crunch, his parents are seeking to get monetary help for their son's treatment.

His family members have already taken a loan of Rs 45,000 from their relatives for Gopal's operation.

Kaliachak police station wears a deserted look

According to media reports, even 48 hours after the mayhem in Malda, Kaliachak police station wore a deserted look. As Section 144 has been imposed in the violence-hit area, many residents chose to remain indoors and most of the shops were shut.

Malda district police superintendent told a media house that 10 persons have been arrested in connection with the case and have been sent to 6-day police custody by a district court.

Additional security forces have been deployed in communally-sensitive area to avoid any further tension.

Meanwhile, the police is also examining the CCTV footage at Kaliachak police station, to identify the culprits.

Police suspects that anti-national elements may be involved in the recent violence, as various illegal activities like peddling of fake notes, illegal migration, arms factory or smuggling goods from across the border, take place in these areas.

Mail Today report said that the mob had intentionally ransacked the police station to destroy all the criminal records.

BJP slams Trinamool for violence in Malda

On Tuesday, Jan 5, the BJP attacked the ruling Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal over the "rampaging communalism" in Malda, alleging that the accused behind it are indulging in violence under its protection.

"Communalism is on a rampage in Malda. Police station has been burnt down, innocents are being attacked and there is mayhem... Those who are doing it are doing so under the protection of West Bengal government. It is not taking any substantial action," Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said at a press conference.

Naqvi said it was a "very serious" issue as the violence had been going on for hours.

"People who have gone out of control and stoking communal tension must be dealt with severely to restore a sense of security," he said, adding the government was soft on them.

Kamlesh Tiwari was arrested on Dec 2 in Lucknow, following controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad, that led to massive protests by Muslims in various parts of the country.

Tiwari's blasphemous comments came a day after Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan made derogatory remarks against the RSS, by calling them homosexuals.

Here are Twitter reactions on Malda violence:

#CPIM strongly condemns the violence unleashed by fundamentalist organizations in Kaliachak, Malda (1/4)

— CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) January 6, 2016

#malda and #KaliachakRiot - why is the #awardwapsi gang silent ? is this in sync with idea of india ? not a single visit as yet by #ndtv why

— Rahul Deo Bharadwaj (@deo26) January 6, 2016

What the hell will Muslims gain by #MaldaRiots? Decades of appeasement has led to current situation in India & Malda will make it worse

— BhagareBaingan (@KyaReBaingan) January 6, 2016

ASJ, a muslim organisation attacked hindu temples, priests and also BSF convoy in Malda. This is sick.

— Sudhanshu (@Sudshek) January 6, 2016

Malda violence explained: Muslim mob ransack police stations, burn vehicles ... Is Malda a mini-Pakistan -... https://t.co/Q4yDGpmvbu

— Alain Bertho (@alainbertho) January 6, 2016

Media called India intolerant after the Dadri issue. So Why Media is ignoring Malda ? It's shocking.Wish it gets covered properly by Media.

— Charlie (@CharlieGulshan) January 6, 2016

How many arrests have been made in Malda? Mamta Banerjee's is anyway the worst form of pandering possible.

— Vivek (@bipashafever) January 6, 2016

All you need to know about #CommunalRiots in #Malda. https://t.co/kLgYkHfOZ2 #malda via @oneindia

— payal chatterjee (@PayalChatterje) January 6, 2016

Malda still trending at 9th? Wake up India and Force media to Wake.

— Sunil Bhalla (@SunilBhalla17) January 6, 2016

Dear media you seem to have confused Malta which is in Europe with Malda which is in West Bengal so had not been reporting about it

— Anoop Chathoth (@anoopc) January 6, 2016

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