Hindu outfits block road at Esplanade, traffic movement disrupted

A massive protest procession was held in Kolkata on Tuesday, stretching from Sealdah to Esplanade, to condemn the recent violence against Hindus in Murshidabad. BJP leader Tapas Roy, accompanied by several saints and community leaders, led the march that raised slogans of unity such as “Hindu Hindu Bhai Bhai,” echoing calls for peace and justice. They arrived at Esplanade and block the road for a brief amount of time resulting in disruption of traffic movement.

The rally comes in the wake of the Murshidabad violence that erupted earlier this month in West Bengal. The unrest followed widespread protests against the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The demonstrations soon spiraled into violent clashes, resulting in multiple deaths, several injuries, and large-scale destruction of property in the region.

Disturbing visuals and reports emerged from Murshidabad, including the torching of police vehicles, disruption of train services at Nimtita station, and an attack on a local MP’s office. Protesters also blocked National Highway 12, bringing parts of the district to a standstill. More than 400 residents, including women and children, were displaced by the violence and were forced to take refuge in neighboring Malda district.

In response, the state government imposed strict security measures. Additional forces were deployed, and internet services were suspended to prevent the spread of misinformation and further unrest. The Calcutta High Court also stepped in, ordering the deployment of central paramilitary forces to restore law and order.

Political reactions have varied sharply. While the BJP has come down heavily on the state government, accusing it of administrative failure and ignoring atrocities against the Hindu community, the ruling TMC alleged that the violence was incited by external agents aiming to destabilize the state.