New Delhi

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to visit West Bengal’s Malda district, which has recently witnessed witnessed violence that led to communal tension in the area, later this month.

The announcement of proposed visit assumes significance as Union Home Ministry has already sought a report from Mamata Banerjee-led state government on the Malda violence.

“The Home Ministry has sought the report from the state government. They should submit it as early as possible,” a senior official said.

Besides, the Union Home Minister may visit the area on January 18. The assurance was given by Singh to ‘Nirbhoy Didi’, a known social worker from the state, in a meeting held here. Nirbhoy Didi has called on Singh today and requested him to visit the area. She has also cited some other instances of violence in the state, he said.

A mob of Muslims protesting against the alleged blasphemous comments by a Hindu Mahasabha associated leader had recently resorted to violence in Malda district during which Kaliachak police station was attacked, the official said.

There are reports that some people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the incident. Besides, there have been unconfirmed reports of gun fire in the area, the official said.

“The report from West Bengal government will give the exact details of the reason of the violence and the present status there,” he said.

BJP seeks Governor’s intervention on Kaliachak issue

The BJP today sought the intervention of West Bengal Governor K N Tripathi over Sunday’s violence at Kaliachak in Malda district and requested him to speak to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

“We have sought his (Tripathi’s) intervention in the Kaliachak incident and requested him to speak to the chief minister directly in this regard,” BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha told reporters here after meeting the Governor at the Raj Bhavan here with a party delegation.

Accusing the TMC government of shielding those behind the Kaliachak violence, he alleged that the Kaliachak police station was set on fire with the intention to destroy all criminal records and the prime suspects have not been arrested.

Sinha questioned why intellectuals were silent on this issue when they staged nation-wide demonstrations and returned awards in protest against alleged intolerance.

During the day a 25-member BJP delegation led by its lone MLA Shamik Bhattacharya was detained by the police when they were trying to enter Kaliachak. They were released after about 10 minutes.

Bhattacharya said the delegation had gone to Kaliachak to know about the exact reason for the incident but was not allowed to enter.

When contacted TMC MP and party’s observer for Malda district Subhendu Adhikari declined to comment on the incident but said that the administration had taken appropriate steps.

Asked about Banerjee calling up Bhattacharya while he was at the police station at Kaliachak, state BJP president Dilip Ghosh said “The chief minister called him up because she is scared thinking that it may affect her party’s fate in the coming (assembly) polls.” With inputs from PTI