Security has been heightened in Maheshtala, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, after violent clashes between a mob and the police left five officers injured and public property damaged. The unrest broke out on Wednesday in the Rabindranagar-Akra area, reportedly triggered by a land dispute. DC (Port) Harikrishna Pai was among those injured, along with a woman constable. At least two government vehicles were damaged, and a motorcycle was torched during the chaos.

Police used lathicharge and tear gas to disperse the crowd after the mob pelted stones at law enforcement officers. The situation escalated when the attackers regrouped near Santoshpur and clashed again with Kolkata Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel. 

According to police, 12 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence, with raids ongoing and additional personnel deployed. 

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What triggered the unrest?

The violence reportedly stemmed from a localised dispute over land ownership. According to locals, a “tulsi mancha” (a sacred basil platform) was hastily erected at a spot previously occupied by a shop owned by a member of a minority community. The shopkeeper was away for Eid when the structure appeared. Tensions rose when some claimed the shop was illegally built on temple land, while others accused the opposite group of encroachment.

Before authorities could intervene, protests spiralled into mob violence. Bricks were hurled from rooftops, tyres were set ablaze, and the Rabindranagar Police Station was attacked. The police responded with tear gas and reinforcements.

BJP demands central forces

The incident sparked a political row, with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress of failing to maintain law and order. Adhikari claimed that Hindu families and shopkeepers were targeted in what he described as a “jihadi” attack. “This is a total breakdown of governance. I will move Calcutta High Court seeking deployment of central forces,” he announced during a protest outside the state police headquarters.

He also alleged that DGP Rajiv Kumar refused to meet him and accused the police of inaction. “The police watched silently as mobs looted and torched. Several vehicles were burned, and yet no serious intervention took place,” he said.

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Trinamool Congress leaders dismissed the BJP’s claims and urged people not to communalise the issue. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh stated, “This was a local land dispute. The police acted responsibly and swiftly to contain the violence. It is unfortunate, but not reflective of the broader law and order situation.”

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Security beefed up

Security remains tight in the area. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has been imposed to maintain law and order. Thirteen people have been arrested so far, and raids are ongoing. Top police officials are overseeing the situation on the ground, and the injured officers are reported to be in stable condition.