Clash in Birbhum during Holi celebrations, BJP says 'West Bengal is increasingly resembling Bangladesh'

A clash took place during Holi in Birbhum district. (Image: X)

A clash took place in the Birbhum district, West Bengal, during Holi celebrations on Friday where Hindus were reportedly attacked and stones were pelted.

BJP leader Amit Malviya slammed the Mamata Banerjee-led government and claimed that under her rule, "West Bengal is increasingly resembling Bangladesh".

Taking to X, he said, "Hindus were attacked in Birbhum for celebrating Holi! Under Mamata Banerjee’s rule, West Bengal is increasingly resembling Bangladesh. Yesterday, during the grand celebration of Dol Purnima and Holi in Anaipur village, under Kirnahar police station in the Nanur Assembly constituency, a violent attack took place. The attack was led by a local Trinamool Panchayat member, where Muslims targeted Hindus for chanting “Jai Shri Ram” and even questioned, “How dare you raise this slogan?” (as heard in the video)."

Hindus were attacked in Birbhum for celebrating Holi! Under Mamata Banerjees rule, West Bengal is increasingly resembling Bangladesh.Yesterday, during the grand celebration of Dol Purnima and Holi in Anaipur village, under Kirnahar police station in the Nanur Assembly pic.twitter.com/yEabNIlPao

Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) March 15, 2025

Malviya also claimed that the attack was led by a local Trinamool Panchayat member.

West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar criticized the state police, alleging that they have become 'defunct' and lost their professionalism.

Speaking to ANI, Majumdar said, "We have seen such incidents in Birbhum earlier as well. Previously, a TMC leader was caught with gelatin sticks and an NIA inquiry is ongoing. The Mamata Banerjee government has converted Birbhum into a blast factory."

"West Bengal Police has become defunct. It has been used politically to such an extent that it has lost its professionalism," Majumdar alleged.

Security forces were deployed in Birbhum after violence was reported yesterday. Internet services were also suspended in several areas of Sainthia town from March 14 (Friday) to March 17 (Monday) to prevent rumour-mongering and illegal activities. The order clarified that voice calls and SMS remain operational. No restrictions on newspapers have been placed.

#WATCH | Birbhum, West Bengal | Security forces are deployed in Birbhum after violence was reported yesterday. Internet services have been suspended in several areas of Sainthia town from March 14 (Friday) to March 17 (Monday) pic.twitter.com/KZiVTde2x8 ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2025

The affected areas include Sainthia municipality, Hatora, Mathpalsa, Harisara, Fariyapur and Fulur, ANI reported.

Police said no incidents of arson have been reported and over 20 people have been detained in connection with the incident.