Beldanga saw an Islamist “peaceful” mob unleash violence leaving its Hindus helpless on the event of Kartik Puja! Beldanga is a small town in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district with over 61% Muslim “peaceful” population. The Bengali Hindus suffered from an eruption of horrific “peaceful” violence during Kartik Puja celebrations.
What should have been a joyous occasion for the Bengali Hindu community turned into a nightmare of arson, bloodshed, and terror. Over 50 people were injured, homes were torched, and shops were reduced to ashes – all under the alleged provocation of “peaceful blasphemy.” Let’s talk!
Kartik Puja Turns “Peaceful” In Beldanga!
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For the past two years, I have been attending the famous Kartik Lorai (Kartik Festival) of Beldanga. Many may not be fully aware of this event. For them, here is a video of last year’s Kartik Lorai. In this grand procession, around 300 small and large Kartik idols participate pic.twitter.com/FrHUoU5f40— Office of Dilip Ghosh (@DilipGhoshOff) November 18, 2024
Kartik Puja is a religious ceremony dedicated to Lord Kartikeya. A once huge festival is now a small celebration of the God of War! Thus, some Bengali communities continue the worship of Lord Skanda or Kartik every year. On 16th November 2024, the Hindu community of Ward No. 10 in Beldanga organized the puja with much enthusiasm. Pandal decorations included a digital board displaying messages to honor the festival.
না এটা বাংলাদেশ না এটা পশ্চিমবঙ্গ
কার্তিক পুজোর দিন মুর্শিদাবাদের বেলডাঙ্গায় হিন্দু বাড়িতে হামলা চালিয়েছে মুসলিম জনতা।
দুর্গা পূজা থেকে কার্তিক পূজা পর্যন্ত বাংলায় হিন্দুদের উপর হামলা অব্যাহত
আমরা অন্য পাকিস্তানে পরিণত হচ্ছি।
যত বেশি সম্ভব শেয়ার করুন #Murshidabad #Beldanga pic.twitter.com/2Z8vznKnP7— Ranjita Roy (@ranjita_ro57444) November 18, 2024
However, the festive atmosphere soured when certain local “peaceful” groups claimed the board carried a “blasphemous” message offensive to their community.
पश्चिम बंगाल के मुर्शिदाबाद में दो पक्षों के बीच टकरार कि वजह ये LED बिलबोर्ड है, जिसपर अल्लाह के लिए अपशब्द का इस्तेमाल हुआ, पुलिस प्रशासन को सबसे पहले इसके पीछे छुपे दोषी को पकड़कर उसपर सख़्त कार्रवाई करनी चाहिए। कहीं इसके पीछे कोई साज़िश तो pic.twitter.com/Mc2ojjSwGM
— Voice Of Indian Muslim 🇮🇳 (@Voice_OfMuslim) November 17, 2024
Some reports claim an LED display displayed abuse He-WHo-Must-Not-Be-Named! However, no one really knows if the Hindu Puja put up the banner or was blasphemous message a planned mischeif by “peacefuls”! The content of the suspected “message” remains undisclosed. However, it allegedly angered the dominant “peaceful” Muslim population. Thus, began the cycle of violence. Objections and arguments soon spiraled out of control. “Peaceful” Islamist mobs, armed with crude bombs, stones, and incendiary materials, took to the streets, targeting Hindu homes, shops, and even public infrastructure.
Beldanga: A Night of Terror And Mayhem
Do you have the guts to reveal the identity of the 'two groups' who clashed over 'some condemnable mischief'?
Also, clash means a violent confrontation between two parties, but what happened in Beldanga is at the best can be described as a concerted attack by one party on the… https://t.co/FwklnDa7GB pic.twitter.com/AuW9VnoLJs— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) November 18, 2024
As night fell, Beldanga transformed into a “peaceful” war zone. Eyewitnesses reported “peacefuls” mobs chanting slogans and calling for the blood of Hindus all night long. The violence began with stone pelting but quickly escalated into arson. More than 30 Hindu houses were set ablaze, their owners fleeing for their lives. The “peaceful” mob vandalized vehicles, looted shops, and even attacked police personnel who attempted to intervene.
Reportedly a resident captured the horror on video which shows how despite police presence, Hindu homes were burning.
Even cars were on fire while the police fled for their lives!
West Bengal: Muslim mobs have go on a rampage in Murshidabad's Beldanga; over alleged blasphemy at a Kartik Puja pandal.
Amongst the visual doing rounds is the para-military forces had to run for their lives, as Muslim mobs could be seen attacking them. pic.twitter.com/QfD8caBXnk
— . (@jxh45) November 17, 2024
The peacefuls did not spare the local railway station! Reports of explosions and bomb blasts added to the chaos, leaving commuters stranded and terrified. The “peaceful” violence left a trail of devastation. Hindu families returned to find their homes reduced to rubble. Shops that once supported livelihoods were destroyed.
Irresposible political leadership in West Bengal is provoking minorities. In Beldanga, my mother's birthplace in Murshidabad district violent Muslim mob has burnt down train station. President of India should not hesitate to act. https://t.co/uoE1FN7haw via @timesofindia
— Dr Krittibas Ray (@KrittibasDr) December 14, 2019
Reports talk of resident lamenting that they have lost everything to the violence!
Ward No. 10 was the worst-hit area as the morning saw charred homes and shattered windows stand as grim reminders of the brutality of the night. The administration responded by imposing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNS. While internet services are suspended, public gatherings are banned to prevent further violence. Rapid Action Force stands deployed in Beldanga and 17 arrests have been made so far! Yet, residents remain skeptical of any real justice.
Malicious efforts are being made from certain quarters to spread misinformation and rumours about last night’s incident at Beldanga in Murshidabad where clashes took place between two groups over some condemnable mischief. President and secretary of the committee where this…
— West Bengal Police (@WBPolice) November 17, 2024
Political Blame Game: Is Bengal Becoming Another Bangladesh?
Beldanga, a predominantly Musl!m area, has witnessed its third such attack this year.
The pandal’s lighting system owner was also Musl!m.
Was this attack on Hindus pre-planned?@NIA_India A thorough investigation could reveal potential terror links. pic.twitter.com/GBtzVycJrQ
— Bloody Media (@bloody_media) November 18, 2024
The “peaceful” violence in Beldanga sparked outrage among political leaders. BJP accuses Mamata Banerjee’s government of enabling such incidents through deliberate inaction. Every Hindu festival is marred by violence in TMC-ruled West Bengal.
BJP leaders warn of a “Bangladesh-like cleansing of Hindus” in the state.
Hindus are not even safe in India🇮🇳. Islamists attack Hindus during Kartik Puja in Beldanga, Murshidabad, West Bengal. WB will be next Bangladesh/Kashmir.#HindusUnderAttack #SaveHindus#TMC #BJP #RSS pic.twitter.com/BgrR9SpDJY
— Arun Sen (@ArunSen1990) November 18, 2024
Referring to video evidence, he added that threats of “peaceful” mob violence were openly issued and the police were ineffective in the face of Islamist mobs. However, CPIM leaders dismissed the BJP’s accusations. The TMC and others are calling the Beldanga incident a “planned provocation” by right-wing groups. The Mamata-led government, on its part, has maintained silence. Police action is limited to dispersing mobs and enforcing curfews.
A Stark Reality: Bengal’s Hindus at a Crossroads
West Bengal government gave access to Bangladeshiradical islams !!
For Hindus to be safe against these Muslim anti socials , please stay united . #Beldanga
Net shutdown, prohibitory orders after Beldanga clashes | India News – Times of India https://t.co/UWcOFXVGdp
— Samrat Nandi (@SamratNandi1511) November 18, 2024
Beldanga is not an isolated incident. From Basirhat to Dhulagarh, Hindus in West Bengal have faced repeated attacks during their festivals. Be it Ram Navami, Kali Puja, Durga Puja, or Kartik Puja; Hindus face persecution. Why? Because it seems that under the TMC government, Islamist groups seem emboldened.
The TMC administration appears either unwilling or complicit or unable to act decisively, leaving Hindus defenseless.
Hence, the question is: how long can Bengali Hindus endure this? Political silence and police inefficiency are no longer excuses. This is not just about Beldanga but the very survival of Bengal’s Hindu identity. The cultural and religious heritage of the state is under a “peacefu”l siege. Thus, if the current trend continues, Bengal risks becoming a shadow of itself – a land overtaken by intolerant “peaceful” who show no respect for Bengal’s traditions or people.