Murshidabad Violence: Investigation reveals Turkey funding, Hindu and government property targeted

West Bengal: The recent Murshidabad, West Bengal, violence has seen several individuals left injured and Hindu families displaced. The violence is reported not to have been spontaneous but a masterminded assault with international affiliations. It has been shown through the course of the inquiry that there has been a complicated network of conspiracy, funding, and training in organizing and undertaking the violence. Investigating agencies have established that the attacks were conducted under meticulous planning, with a conspiracy to target Hindu families and properties. The conspiracy was a long time in the making, with training on how to avoid police and cause maximum damage being imparted to the perpetrators. The targets were specifically assigned to the attackers, including government properties, rail and ordinary transportation, and Hindu families.

Turkey funding and local Madrasas

Investigations have further uncovered that finances for the violence were provided from Turkey, where solid evidence implicated an organized group. Local madrasas had allegedly been in charge of coordinating the attackers and establishing a reward system to promote violence. These funds and provisions from Turkey raised alarm regarding participation of international entities and governments within the violence. 

Reward system and training

The attackers were guaranteed a reward for causing damage, with the scale rising according to the extent of the damage. Fruit orchards were used for training sessions, where attackers learned stone-throwing and attack methods using banana trees as targets. The training sessions were intended to prepare the attackers for violence and to ensure that they were able to escape from police and security forces.

International connections

The probe has also revealed external links, including 71-150 calls originating from India and going to Bangladesh during the carnage. Some NGOs have also been reported as suspicious and linked to suspicious activities and transactions. The external links have also questioned the role of foreign organizations and governments in the violence.

Government response

In spite of the continued violence, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has played down the situation by saying that all is well. However, the BJP has been critical of the violence and the government's response. The BJP has called for stern action against the perpetrators of violence and criticized the government's capability to enforce law and order in the state.

Investigation is in progress

The Murshidabad violence is a shocking instance of premeditated violence with global connections. The investigation is still in progress, and it is to be seen how the government reacts to these developments. The episode has raised questions regarding the safety and security of citizens in West Bengal and the capability of the government to safeguard them.