Sun Apr 27 22:45:00 UTC 2025: ## Murshidabad Riots Were Not Spontaneous, Says Fact-Finding Report
**Kolkata, April 28, 2025** – A fact-finding report by five Indian civil rights organizations has concluded that the recent riots in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, were not spontaneous but rather a result of police inaction and the spread of misinformation. The report, released today, alleges a failure of law and order, stating that police could have prevented the violence had they acted decisively.
The April 11-12 riots, sparked by protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, resulted in the deaths of at least three people. The report details attacks on both Hindu and Muslim homes and shops, claiming that fake BSF raids targeted Muslim villages and police atrocities created an atmosphere of fear. The team of 17 investigators from organizations including Feminists in Resistance (FIR) and the Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR), found that misinformation and rumors significantly intensified religious polarization. The report notes a deep mistrust between communities, with Hindu victims demanding permanent BSF camps and Muslims seeking peace and safety.
The report accuses the BJP and RSS of exploiting the tragedy for political gain, alleging that the organizations’ promotion of Islamophobia is now being reflected in the anxieties of victims. The report calls for immediate action including: an independent judicial investigation, compensation for affected families, rehabilitation for the homeless, and investigation into police actions. They also demand the state government take responsibility for its failure to prevent the communal violence and initiate inquiries against all officers on duty during the riots. West Bengal police have registered 60 FIRs and arrested 307 individuals in connection with the violence.
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