Murshidabad victims demand security from Governor, accuse police of intimidation

Two widows from Murshidabad, who lost their husbands and son in last month’s violent protests, have filed an urgent appeal for protection with the Governor of West Bengal, Dr. C.V. Anand Bose. Parul Das and Pinki Das, widows of Har Gobind Das and his son, Chandan Das, have claimed that they are being threatened by both the ruling Trinamool Congress party and local police, putting their safety at risk. The two women lost their loved ones during the violence sparked by protests over the Waqf Amendment Act.

In a four-page letter to the Governor, the women described living in constant fear, stating that they have been forced to hide from potential harm. They have accused local police of harassment, alleging that the police have been attempting to intimidate them into silence. "We are writing this from a secret location because not only the ruling party but also the police have been continuously threatening us," they wrote in the letter, urging the Governor to ensure their safety.

The incident that led to the deaths of Har Gobind and Chandan occurred in the aftermath of the violent clashes that erupted in Murshidabad related to the controversial Waqf Amendment Act. The two men were dragged out of their homes by a mob and killed. Following this, the widows have lived under a constant threat, they claim, from those with political affiliations and from law enforcement, who they allege are pressuring them to drop any attempts for justice.

The situation escalated further on Sunday morning, when the women accused a team from Bidhannagar East Police Station of attempting to abduct them from their residence in Salt Lake. However, the police have denied these allegations, stating that they were only carrying out a routine inquiry based on a complaint filed by Har Gobind's younger son, Samarth Das. According to the complaint, the women had been taken in a car from their home and had not returned for over 24 hours. The police initiated an investigation and discovered that the women were staying in a house in Bidhannagar.

The police, in their response, clarified that they were only acting on the basis of the complaint to ensure the women’s safety. They dismissed claims that the police had threatened the family and forced the women to flee, describing the accusations as unfounded. They further emphasized that the police are obligated to investigate any complaints and ensure the welfare of the individuals involved. The case is currently under investigation, and the safety of the widows remains a priority as tensions continue in the region following the violent protests.