In a recent incident in West Bengal, twelve people have been arrested in connection with an attack on a group of seers or sadhus, leading to a fresh clash between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Trinamool Congress. The sadhus, who were en route to Gangasagar, were reportedly attacked by a mob after approaching a group of women for directions.
The sadhus, covered in ash as part of their religious practices, startled the women, who then raised an alarm, prompting the attack. Videos of the incident went viral, drawing attention and sparking tensions between the political parties.
While the police have denied any communal angle in the matter thus far, they are actively investigating the incident. Officials stated that they are waiting to determine the identities of those arrested before making any conclusive statements about the motive behind the attack.
The police acted swiftly, reaching the scene to rescue the sadhus and facilitating their onward journey to Gangasagar, a revered pilgrimage site in West Bengal. Despite the prompt police intervention, the incident has become a flashpoint in the ongoing political feud between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress.
The BJP has criticized the Trinamool Congress, alleging a breakdown in the law-and-order machinery. Several BJP leaders, including Member of Parliament Locket Chatterjee, took to social media to condemn the attack on the sadhus, expressing outrage and citing it as evidence of deteriorating safety under the TMC rule.
Chatterjee stated, “Outraged by the Purulia incident! Sadhus en route to Gangasagar brutally attacked – shocking evidence of deteriorating safety under TMC. Mamata’s regime shields terrorists like Shahjahan Sheikh, while sadhus face brutal lynching. A grim reality for Hindus in Bengal.”
On the other hand, Soumen Beltharia, Trinamool Congress District President in Purulia, acknowledged the incident and assured a thorough investigation. He noted that the incident should not have occurred and attributed it to a rumor that led to an angry mob targeting the sadhus. Beltharia mentioned that the police are looking into the matter to understand the circumstances surrounding the attack.
As the political blame game intensifies, the incident underscores the complex socio-political landscape in Bengal, where incidents involving religious figures can quickly escalate into broader political confrontations.
Sources By Agencies