"There is a lot of fake news": TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee on Murshidabad violence allegations

Murshidabad (West Bengal) [India], April 17 (ANI): Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kalyan Banerjee addressed the situation in Murshidabad on Thursday, defending the state administration and accusing the opposition of spreading misinformation and inciting unrest.
Responding to allegations by BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, Banerjee told reporters that law enforcement agencies have taken appropriate action to control the situation.
"Senior police officers, including DIG-level officials, have been deployed in the affected areas. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) and 17 companies of central forces are patrolling the region. Internet services have been suspended in parts of Murshidabad to curb the spread of fake news," Banerjee said.
Refuting claims of police inaction, the TMC MP added that an SIT headed by the DIG of Murshidabad Range is actively surveying the violence-hit areas. "Stone pelting is not the culture of Bengal. This culture comes from those associated with the opposition," he alleged.
He further said, "What is Hindu Rashtra? Why are they talking about Hindutva in a region known for its harmony? These narratives are divisive and dangerous."
Banerjee also praised the peaceful conduct of local protests. "In the Jangipur police station area, no incidents have occurred in the last two days. The situation is peaceful. Minority leaders, including Imams, have conducted protests peacefully," he said.
On the investigation front, Banerjee added that several suspects have been identified and detained; however, verifying the identities of unidentified individuals would take time.
Meanwhile, Suvendu Adhikari has filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court on Thursday demanding that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) be assigned to probe the recent violence in Murshidabad district.
Adhikari's petition cited provisions under Section 6 of the NIA Act to request the central agency's intervention. He alleged that the incident involved Bangladeshi elements and posed a serious threat to national security. The matter is expected to be taken up for hearing soon.
Unrest broke out in Murshidabad during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act on April 11. The law has been a contentious issue in the region. So far, over 150 people have been arrested, and adequate police forces have been deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other affected areas. (ANI)