Communal Violence, Arson Breaks Out At Bengal's Motabari, 25 Arrested: Calcutta HC Seeks Action Taken Report

The Calcutta High Court has called for an action taken report from the West Bengal police on incidents of communal violence and arson which took place at Mothabari in Bengal's Malda district.

A division bench of Justices Soumen Sen and Smita Das De was approached by the petitioner in a public interest litigation, claiming that large-scale communal violence had broken out at Motabari in the district of Malda.

It is submitted that communal violence had broken out at Motabari. The petitioner has disclosed footage to show the nature and extent of the violence.

Counsel for the state submitted that there was an incident yesterday at Motabari and prompt action has been taken by the administration by arresting  25 persons and deploying 300 police personnel including high ranking officials to ensure that no breach of peace takes place.

In view of the sensitivity attached to this matter, it is expected that the State should act cautiously and take appropriate measures to ensure safety and security of the people affected by such violence. The State is required to preserve and protect imprescriptible right of its citizens. It shall be the responsibility of the State to restore peace and confidence in the minds of the public. The offenders should be immediately arrested, the court said.

Accordingly, it directed the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Malda to file an action taken report on 3rd April, 2025 with regard to the steps taken in this regard.

It further directed the State administration to verify the footages, video clippings, Facebook live to be shared or shared by the petitioner with the advocate on record for the State. The state should take into consideration such materials in preparing the report to be filed on 3rd April, 2025.

Click here to read order