Murshidabad Violence: “They Burnt My Shop, We Survived Behind a Strong Door,” Says Local Resident

Murshidabad — Local resident Pradipta Pal shared a harrowing account of the violence that rocked Murshidabad on April 12, saying his shop was looted and set ablaze while police failed to respond despite repeated calls.

“At around 9 am, some people vandalised my shop. We chased them away. After that, around 150-200 people came. They looted and set it on fire the third time,” Pal said. “Our main door was very strong, which is why we survived... The villagers saved us.”

He expressed deep disappointment in the police, stating, “We called the police many times, but they just said they were coming. But they did not come.”

Pal also commented on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent announcement of compensation for those whose homes and shops were destroyed during the violence. “If the Chief Minister fulfils this promise, I will consider my life blessed. We have nothing left; it is a good thing that the BDO office has arranged for food,” he said.