Centre seeks report on Malda violence

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to visit West Bengal’s Malda district later this month, which has recently witnessed violence that led to communal tension in the area.

The announcement of proposed visit assumes significance as Union Home Ministry has already sought a report from Mamata Banerjee-led state government on the Malda violence.

“The Home Ministry has sought the report from the state government. They should submit it as early as possible,” a senior official said.

Besides, the Union Home Minister may visit the area on January 18. The assurance was given by Mr Singh to ‘Nirbhoy Didi’, a known social worker from the state, in a meeting held here.

Nirbhoy Didi has called on Singh today and requested him to visit the area. She has also cited some other instances of violence in the state, he said.

A mob protesting against the alleged blasphemous comments by a right wing leader had recently resorted to violence in Malda district during which Kaliachak police station was reportedly attacked, the official said.

There are reports that some people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the incident. Besides, there have been unconfirmed rep-orts of gun fire in the area, the official said.

“The report from West Bengal government will give the exact details of the reason of the violence and the present status there,” he said.

“The state government should submit the report as early as possible,” a senior official said.

Meanwhile, a BJP delegation led by Shamik Bhattacharya, its lone MLA in West Bengal Assembly, was not allowed to visit Kaliachak village, about 30 km from here.