Two NGO workers arrested for inciting violence in Murshidabad

Kolkata: Bengal Police arrested two NGO workers on Tuesday for allegedly inciting mobs in Shamsherganj's Dakbungalow More on April 11, which triggered a wave of violence in the region over the next two days.The two accused, identified as Md Mustaqik Sk and Md Kausar Ali, were held by the SIT probing the Murshidabad violence with help from Jangipur Police District.DIG (Murshidabad range) Syed Waquar Raza said: "We have arrested two officials of NGO Asomoyer Alor Bati. They were identified as two of the main organisers. They were arrested after we found them to be actively involved in the violence and in organising the mobs."Police said Mustaqik and Kausar were instrumental in mobilising mobs on April 11, the first day of the violence. "On that day, they were centred in Shamsherganj and moved around from one place to another in the morning. They were instrumental in mobilising a mob around Dakbungalow More, at the very beginning of the violence. Their roles will be clear once we start questioning them. They were arrested from the Jangipur area based on specific inputs," said an officer of Jangipur Police District.The accused will be taken in custody to identify the others involved, police said.A source said NGO Asomoyer Alor Bati was formed around the 2024 RG Kar protests and enjoyed political backing. At least seven other NGOs, formed at short notice between last Aug and March this year, are also under scrutiny, police said.Earlier, at least 10 persons were identified as key conspirators and charged in multiple FIRs connected to the arson at Bedbona and adjoining villages of Shamsherganj. On April 11-12, several parts of Murshidabad became tense after protests over the amended Waqf Act.Amid this unrest, Haragobinda Das and his son Chandan were killed in Jafrabad. Over 420 persons have been arrested for being involved in the violence, out of which 13 were found involved in these twin murders. Police on Tuesday filed a charge sheet in this double murder case at a court in Jangipur.