Bengal clashes: Suvendu Adhikari demands compensation for vandalised shops
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has demanded compensation for shopkeepers whose shops were vandalised in the Rabindra Nagar area of Maheshtala (South 24 Parganas). This comes after clashes erupted between two groups in the area on June 11, which left several police and locals injured and many cars and shops vandalised.
Standing outside the West Bengal Legislative Assembly along with other Bhartiya Janta Party leaders on June 13, Mr Adhikari said that adequate compensation should be ensured for victims.
'They vandalised shops, cars, looted shops of 'Hindus', the 'other' community has done the same thing in Samserganj and Suti,' Mr Adhikari said. This came in reference to the communal riots in Murshidabad in April.
The LoP also announced that BJP MLAs will participate in a protest against the Maheshtala violence on June 14 right outside the Assembly premises. He also alleged that they are not being 'allowed' to discuss the matter inside the Assembly.
'Our representatives will go to Rabindra Nagar on Saturday, including MLA Agnimitra Paul. If they stop us, we will protest wherever they stop us,' Mr Adhikari added. He also said that they will spend their own MLA salaries to offer medical assistance to the people who have been injured in the communal clashes in Rabindra Nagar. He also offered to pay for any other assistance that the affected 'Hindus' may need stating that the party will never 'abandon' one of their own.
Violence broke out in Ward No. 7, Maheshtala, on Wednesday morning, reportedly over the setting up of a shop. The situation took a communal turn following allegations of an attack on a place of worship. Tensions escalated rapidly as two groups clashed, pelting stones and attacking police personnel. The police resorted to tear gas shelling and baton charges to disperse the crowd.
Till now the West Bengal Police have arrested 40 people in connection with the violence. Seven FIRs have also been filed.
The State BJP accused the police of trying to 'whitewash a communal attack' and sought the deployment of Central forces. The ruling Trinamool Congress, in turn, accused the BJP of trying to incite communal passions.
Mr Adhikari met Governor C.V. Ananda Bose and also moved the Calcutta High Court on June 12 asking for Central Force deployment in the violence-hit areas.
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