Kolkata: A Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activist, who was stabbed by an unruly mob on Wednesday evening, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Basirhat in Bengal’s North 24-Parganas district, which has witnessed a series of clashes over an “objectionable” Facebook post by a student.
The victim has been identified as Kartik Ghosh (49). The incident took place last evening when a mob raided his tea stall and allegedly looted all valuables and cash. When he protested, Kartik was stabbed multiple times.
The assailants fled before the local police could reach. The incident once again flared up the unrest as a large number of paramilitary forces were rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control.
Kartik was rushed to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, 6 pm.
Speaking to News18, Jishnu Basu, RSS’s General Secretary in South Bengal, said, “It is a very unfortunate incident and we are in a state of shock over the clashes which are taking place in Basirhat . We strongly condemn this incident.”
The murder took place hours after West Bengal Chief Minister urged people to maintain peace in the areas.
While condemning the clashes, she said, “Somebody posted a picture on Facebook and police arrested that youth. Then, where is the problem? I would like to warn those involved in the clashes not to play with fire.”
Mamata claimed that there were some religious leaders from both Muslim and Hindu community behind the clashes. “I am sorry to say that some religious leaders are doing this in exchange for money. This is shocking. Please don’t try to judge my patience limit. I am not in favour of any particular community,” she said.
Trouble started a few days ago after Saurav Sarkar, a class 12 student, uploaded an “objectionable post” on Facebook at Baduria in North 24 Parganas. After receiving a complaint, the police immediately arrested Saurav.
Soon after the post, a large number of Muslims reached Baduria Police Station demanding Saurav be handed over to them. As the police refused to comply, the mob went on a rampage.
BJP state President Dilip Ghosh said, “We wanted the immediate arrest of the accused, and demanded the central government’s intervention in the matter. The law and order situation in Bengal ran into rough weather and the Chief Minister is sitting ideal.”
Meanwhile, BJP is sending a central team to Basirhat. Senior leaders like Minakshi Lekhi, Om Mathur and Satyapal Malik are expected to reach on Friday to examine the ground realities
Source: News18