West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday urged the Opposition not to hold her responsible for the clashes that broke out in Raghunathganj during Ram Navami, pointing to the recent transfer of police officers ahead of the state elections.
Speaking at a public rally in Paschim Bardhaman, Banerjee alleged that officers brought in after the Election Commission’s reshuffle were responsible for provoking unrest.
“Do not blame me. All my rights have been taken away. All officers have been transferred. People aligned with the BJP have been sent here. But they do not know that we will win,” she said.
She further condemned the violence in Raghunathganj, questioning the authority behind acts of vandalism and unrest. “Shops were vandalised, and riots were instigated. Who gave them the right? All of this will be accounted for,” she added.
Violence reportedly broke out in Raghunathganj in Murshidabad district at multiple locations during a Ram Navami procession, involving clashes between two groups. The situation escalated into vandalism, looting, and arson, leaving several people injured.
Security forces, including central personnel and local police, were deployed to bring the situation under control.
DIG Ajit Singh Yadav stated that authorities are working to identify those responsible using CCTV footage and assured strict action. “The situation is now under control, and normal traffic has resumed. We have deployed additional forces, and raid teams are conducting operations at multiple locations. No one involved will be spared,” he said.
Polling for the West Bengal Assembly elections is scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with vote counting set for May 4.
(With inputs from ANI)