Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, April 18, 2025 : In a sudden change of plans, West Bengal Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose departed for Malda on Friday, instead of Murshidabad as initially expected. This comes amid ongoing tensions and a court-directed probe into the recent unrest in Murshidabad, where paramilitary forces remain deployed and over 270 arrests have been made so far.
The Governor, who left from Sealdah station, stated that his visit to Malda is aimed at meeting victims, assessing the ground situation, and verifying field reports. “I am going there to meet the victims and verify the reports that we have received from the field. I will go to the hospitals, residences of the victims and the relief camps. The central forces and the state police are there together, and the situation will soon normalise. Following this, I will send my recommendations,” Dr. Bose told news agency PTI.
The change in itinerary follows Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s earlier directive prohibiting visits to Murshidabad at this sensitive time. Simultaneously, the Calcutta High Court has intervened in the matter, forming a three-member committee to investigate the situation in Murshidabad. The panel will include representatives from the National Human Rights Commission, the State Human Rights Commission, and the State Legal Services Authority. The court has also left it to the Central Government to decide whether the National Investigation Agency (NIA) should be entrusted with a deeper probe into the violence.
According to sources in Raj Bhavan, the Governor may still visit Murshidabad in the coming days to personally evaluate the situation once deemed appropriate. For now, his immediate focus remains on Malda, particularly the relief camp at Par Lalpur, where displaced families and injured civilians have taken refuge.
Meanwhile, authorities report that the situation in Murshidabad is gradually stabilising. Police have formed a Special Enquiry and Analysis Team (SEAT) and are continuing investigations. With 274 individuals already arrested in connection to the violence, law enforcement remains on high alert to prevent further escalation.
As Nawab’s historic district begins its return to normalcy, all eyes are now on the Governor’s statements and the recommendations he is expected to make following his visit to Malda. His words could have significant implications for the administration’s next course of action in addressing the recent unrest and reinforcing peace in the region.
