Violence erupted in the Maheshtala area of South 24 Parganas district on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, following a clash between two groups. The altercation escalated, leading to alleged vandalism of a Shiva temple, attacks on police personnel, arson, and stone-pelting, resulting in damage to houses and shops. Authorities have swiftly moved to control the situation, with heavy police deployment and the invocation of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to maintain law and order. So far, 40 individuals have been arrested in connection with the incidents.
Of the 40 arrests, 12 were made by Kolkata Police based on four cases registered at Nadial Police Station following complaints from police personnel. The remaining 28 arrests were made by the Bengal Police, under whom three cases have been registered.
Origin of the Violence and Police Response:
The violence reportedly stemmed from a dispute over setting up a fruit stall in front of a Shiva temple. According to eyewitnesses, the situation rapidly spiraled out of control as mobs pelted stones at police, torched vehicles, and engaged in confrontations with officers outside the Rabindranagar police station. A police officer reported that "bricks were hurled from rooftops, tyres were burnt on roads and miscreants set a bike on fire in front of the police station. Several police vehicles were damaged and at least one woman police officer was injured after being hit by a brick."
To disperse the violent crowds and bring the situation under control, police resorted to firing tear gas shells. Additional forces from Kolkata, including units of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), were deployed to the area.
Political Reactions and Allegations:
The incident has drawn strong reactions from political figures. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has contacted the SP and DGP of Diamond Harbor Police District, seeking permission to visit Maheshtala along with another MLA. He expressed his intent to meet the affected Hindu families and shopkeepers to understand their grievances and show solidarity, hoping the administration will not obstruct his visit. Adhikari also moved the Calcutta High Court seeking the deployment of central armed forces and an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), alleging the clashes were "communal" in nature and that the Shiva Temple and Hindu establishments were specifically targeted.
State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar also condemned the incident, criticizing the Mamata Banerjee government and announcing his intention to visit Maheshtala. He stated that if police attempt to stop him, protests would be conducted democratically, adding that "the police can only stop us, they cannot stop the rioters."
The Trinamool Congress (TMC), however, has stated that the incident was a "localized dispute over a shop" and accused the BJP of politicizing the issue.
The situation in Maheshtala remains tense, with most shops closed and reduced public movement on Thursday morning as a large police contingent continues to be deployed to restore confidence among residents.
