Communal violence and incidents of arson recently erupted at Motabari in West Bengal’s Malda district, prompting the Calcutta High Court to intervene. The court has sought an action taken report from the state police regarding the steps undertaken to address the situation.
A division bench comprising Justices Soumen Sen and Smita Das De was approached through a public interest litigation (PIL), which highlighted the gravity of the incident. The petitioner provided video evidence showcasing the nature and extent of the violence that took place in the area.
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The state’s counsel acknowledged that an incident occurred at Motabari. Immediate measures were taken by the administration, leading to the arrest of 25 individuals. Additionally, 300 police personnel, including senior officers, were deployed to prevent any further disturbances.
Given the sensitivity of the matter, the court emphasized the need for the state to act with caution and responsibility to maintain law and order. The judges stated:
“The State is required to preserve and protect the imprescriptible right of its citizens. It shall be the responsibility of the State to restore peace and confidence in the minds of the public.”
The court also underscored the importance of bringing offenders to justice without delay. It directed the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Malda, to submit an action taken report by April 3, 2025. The report should detail all steps implemented to curb the violence and ensure the safety of residents.
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Furthermore, the State administration has been instructed to carefully examine video footage, social media clippings, and live broadcasts related to the incident. The judges ruled:
“The state should take into consideration such materials in preparing the report to be filed on 3rd April, 2025.”
The Calcutta High Court’s directive reinforces the urgency of addressing communal disturbances and ensuring a swift and effective response by the authorities. The focus remains on maintaining peace, protecting the rights of citizens, and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
