NHRC Takes Tough Stand on Murshidabad Violence; Decision to Send Probe Team Amid Intelligence Revelations of Bangladeshi Links

Murshidabad Violence Update: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken a stern stance on the violence that erupted in West Bengal’s Murshidabad over the Waqf Amendment Bill. Following complaints received in relation to the incident, the Commission has decided to send an independent investigative team to Murshidabad. This team will conduct an on-site inquiry and submit its report to the Commission within three weeks. The role of the police and administration will also be examined as part of the probe.

Meanwhile, intelligence agencies have uncovered shocking information regarding the violence. Investigations revealed that radical elements from Bangladesh were allegedly involved in the unrest, and were supported by local leaders and workers of a political party. Reports indicating the involvement of Bangladeshi jihadists and the terrorist group Ansar-ul-Bangla Team (ABT) in the violence have alarmed security agencies.

Decision to Send an Independent Probe Team

The Human Rights Commission is seen taking a hardline approach regarding the violence in Murshidabad. Commission member Priyank Kanoongo informed that three separate complaints were received related to the incident. The complaints allege that during the violent outbreak over the Waqf Amendment Law, a mob attacked a family, resulting in the murder of a father and son. Following this double homicide, locals have expressed a strong sense of insecurity, with many fleeing to neighboring districts and states for safety.

Kanoongo stated that the matter is extremely serious, which is why the NHRC has decided to dispatch an independent team to the site. The team will assess the ground situation in Murshidabad and submit its report within three weeks. He emphasized that the Commission will not rely solely on the state government’s reports. “We want to understand the ground reality,” he said, “and therefore, it is necessary to conduct on-site investigations and interact with the victims.”

Role of Police and Administration Under Scrutiny

The violence over the Waqf Law has also raised questions about the role of local administration, police, and the state government. Hence, the NHRC will carry out a comprehensive inquiry. Kanoongo added that the team will not only investigate the incidents of violence but also examine the role played by the police and local administration in managing the situation.

If during the inquiry any officer, employee, police personnel, or organization is found responsible for the violence, the Commission will recommend strict action against them. The BJP has been vocal over the matter, accusing the Mamata Banerjee government and police of complicity. The party claims that police officials are working as cadres of the ruling party.

Intelligence Reports Reveal Bangladeshi Links

Intelligence reports regarding the Murshidabad violence have shocked officials. According to these reports, radical elements from Bangladesh were involved in the violent incidents and allegedly received full support from local leaders of a political party.

Citing intelligence sources, reports claim that members of two extremist organizations based in Bangladesh—Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT)—were involved in the Murshidabad violence. The violence reportedly led to the death of three individuals.

Radical Elements Received Support from Political Party Leaders

Based on the intelligence inputs, sources allege that leaders of a political party helped the Bangladeshi radicals. Sleeper cells of ABT are said to be active in the border areas adjacent to Bangladesh and had been planning the attacks for a long time. A few months ago, three terrorists were arrested by the police, two of whom were Bangladeshi nationals.

Foreign Funds Used to Fuel Violence

Investigating agencies have also found digital and financial evidence indicating that foreign funds were used to carry out the violence. The Union Home Ministry is closely monitoring the situation in Murshidabad. To maintain law and order, central security forces have been deployed in the region.

The Border Security Force (BSF) stationed along the India-Bangladesh border has been instructed to maintain strict surveillance. Officials say that due to heightened vigilance, no new incidents of violence have been reported in the past 48 hours. Arrests are also underway for those involved in the earlier violent incidents.