In response to the recent violent incident in Ranirbazar, a four-member delegation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) met with the Chief Secretary on Monday, submitting a memorandum outlining a series of demands. The delegation sought immediate security measures and relief efforts to support the victim families and prevent further violence.
The incident, triggered by a rumor of the defacement of a Kali idol, led to a violent backlash in the Durganagar Gram Panchayat area, with mobs from Ranirbazar and neighboring areas reportedly targeting the minority community. According to the CPM, the perpetrators specifically attacked homes and businesses belonging to one community, causing extensive damage.
The memorandum detailed the destruction: nine houses and two shops were completely burnt, eleven houses were heavily looted and vandalized, and eleven vehicles, including cars and bikes, were either set on fire or severely damaged. Additionally, four cows were stolen, and one was reportedly burnt alive. The CPM noted that approximately 30 affected families have been forced to seek refuge, some in shelters and others in the homes of relatives.
In their five-point charter of demands, the CPM emphasized the need for strengthened security measures to prevent a recurrence of such violence. They also called for a peace initiative to restore trust between the affected communities. The demands included the provision of essential amenities—food, baby food, clothing, medicines, and sanitation—for those displaced, as well as adequate relief and compensation to help the victims rebuild their lives.
The CPM also urged for a Suomoto FIR to investigate the violence and the alleged defacement of the Kali idol. They insisted on appropriate legal action against those responsible for the violence.
Following their meeting with the Chief Secretary, CPM leaders Radhacharan Debbarma, Manik Dey, Pabitra Kar, and Ratan Das held a press conference at the party’s state office, where they briefed the media about the incident and reiterated their demands for justice and security for the affected families.
