In a disturbing incident reminiscent of the infamous Palghar sadhu lynching, three sadhus from Uttar Pradesh became the target of a violent mob attack in West Bengal's Purulia district. This appalling event occurred on the evening of Thursday, 11th January, while the sadhus were en route to the revered Gangasagar Mela.

A distressing video that has since circulated widely on social media captures the horrific moments of this attack. It depicts a chaotic and frightening scene where the sadhus are mercilessly assaulted. The mob, acting in a frenzied state, is seen aggressively pulling the seers by their hair, stripping them of their clothing, and relentlessly beating them with sticks. The video shockingly reveals how additional members of the mob attempt to encircle the sadhus, adding to the intensity of the assault.

Adding to the disturbing visuals, another video emerged showing the sadhus, in a desperate plea for mercy, joining their hands as a man is seen aggressively confronting them. Amidst this scenario, a large crowd corners the beleaguered sadhus. There is a noted presence of police officers at the scene; however, their numbers are notably small compared to the size of the mob, raising questions about the effectiveness of their intervention in this volatile situation.

The motive behind this brutal assault is rooted in suspicion. The mob reportedly believed that the sadhus were involved in kidnapping activities. This baseless suspicion fueled the violent actions of the mob, leading to the tragic and unjustifiable attack on the innocent sadhus.

This incident in Purulia bears a disturbing similarity to the harrowing events that unfolded in Palghar in 2020. In Palghar, two sadhus were subjected to a similar mob attack under the suspicion of child abduction. The attack, which occurred despite police presence, resulted in the tragic deaths of the sadhus. They were mercilessly beaten and killed, a fate that is hauntingly echoed in the recent events in Purulia.

In the aftermath of the violent mob attack on three sadhus in West Bengal's Purulia district, swift actions were undertaken by law enforcement authorities. A case was promptly filed at the Kasipur Police Station, signaling the beginning of legal proceedings against those responsible for this heinous act. The police, in a determined effort to bring justice to the sadhus, have been actively conducting raids to apprehend the attackers involved in this crime. Their efforts have so far resulted in the arrest of 12 individuals linked to the assault.

The sadhus, who were the victims of this brutal attack, were thankfully rescued from the perilous situation. In a gesture of support and assistance, they were provided with transportation to continue their journey to the Gangasagar Mela. This act of aid highlights the efforts to alleviate the impact of the traumatic event and ensure the sadhus' safe passage to their religious destination.

However, this incident has sparked significant political controversy and backlash, particularly directed towards the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in Bengal. Critics are vocally blaming Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s policies, accusing her of Muslim appeasement politics, which they allege is contributing to anti-Hindu sentiments in the state. This accusation points towards a larger political debate and concern over religious safety and harmony within the region.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a major political rival of the TMC, has been outspoken in its criticism. BJP leader Amit Malviya took to his social media platform to express his shock and condemnation of the incident. In his statement on his social media handle, he said, “Absolutely shocking incident reported from Purulia in West Bengal. In a Palghar-kind lynching, sadhus travelling to Gangasagar for Makar Sankranti were stripped and beaten by criminals, affiliated with the ruling TMC. In Mamata Banerjee’s regime, a terrorist like Shahjahan Sheikh gets state protection and sadhus are being lynched. It is a crime to be a Hindu in West Bengal.” This powerful statement from Malviya brings to light the severe criticism faced by the state government and highlights the increasing tension between the BJP and TMC over religious and political issues in West Bengal.

The brutal assault on three sadhus in West Bengal's Purulia district continues to generate strong reactions, especially from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal. The state's BJP unit expressed its outrage and disappointment through a statement on its social media handle, highlighting the silence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The post read, “Shame on Mamata Banerjee’s deafening silence! Are these Hindu Sadhus not worthy of your acknowledgement? The atrocity demands accountability.” This statement underscores the BJP's demand for recognition and action from the Chief Minister regarding the violence against the sadhus, emphasizing the need for governmental accountability in the face of such incidents.

Adding to the BJP's vocal criticism, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, the President of the West Bengal state BJP, also conveyed his shock and condemnation through social media. He wrote, “Shocking incident from Purulia; Sadhus en route to Gangasagar were stripped and beaten by criminals linked to TMC, echoing the Palghar tragedy. Under Mamata Banerjee’s rule, a terrorist like Shahjahan gets state protection while sadhus face violence. Being Hindu is a crime in WB.” Dr. Majumdar's statement reflects a deep concern over the state of religious safety in West Bengal, drawing parallels to the Palghar incident and criticizing the state government's alleged bias and failure to protect Hindu pilgrims.

The background of this unfortunate event is rooted in a tragic misunderstanding. Reports indicate that the victims, a man and his two sons who are all sadhus, were traveling to the Gangasagar festival for Makar Sankranti. They had rented a vehicle for their pilgrimage. However, a seemingly innocent inquiry about their route became the catalyst for the subsequent violence. When the sadhus asked some local residents for directions, their questions were met with suspicion, leading to the rapid escalation of the situation. The locals, misinterpreting the sadhus' intentions, accused them of being involved in kidnapping activities.

Further details reveal a more complex picture of the incident's onset. It was reported that when the sadhus approached three teenage girls for directions, the girls, possibly feeling threatened, screamed and ran away. This reaction triggered alarm among the local community, resulting in a swift and severe response. The locals, driven by fear and suspicion, apprehended the sadhus and subjected them to a brutal assault.

A video surfaced showing the mob's aggression extending beyond the attack on the sadhus; it also captured the vandalism of a police vehicle. This act of destruction against law enforcement property highlights the intensity and lawlessness of the mob's behavior during the incident.

In response to the growing chaos, local police forces took decisive action. They intervened in the situation, managing to rescue the sadhus from the violent mob. Following their rescue, the sadhus were safely transported to the Kasipur Police Station. This swift action by the police played a crucial role in preventing further harm to the sadhus and restoring a semblance of order amidst the turmoil.

Abhijit Banerjee, the Purulia Police Superintendent, addressed the incident, affirming that a case had been registered and that a thorough investigation was underway. He also informed that active raids were being conducted to identify and apprehend those involved in the assault. As a result of these efforts, the West Bengal police have successfully arrested 12 individuals in connection with the case. These arrests mark a significant step in the legal proceedings and demonstrate the law enforcement's commitment to justice in this matter.

This incident in Purulia draws a grim parallel to a previous tragic event. On 16th April 2020, a similarly horrifying incident occurred in the satellite town of Palghar, located near Mumbai, the financial capital of India. In Palghar, two Hindu sadhus were brutally lynched by an uncontrollable mob of over 100 people. This atrocious act of violence not only shook the nation but also raised serious questions about mob mentality, law and order, and the protection of religious minorities.

The Aftermath of the Purulia Sadhu Attack: Rescue, Recognition, and Allegations

In the wake of the violent attack on sadhus in West Bengal's Purulia district, a noteworthy intervention came from BJP MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahto. Following the incident, where the police were accused of failing to protect the sadhus, MP Mahto stepped in to rescue them. His actions went beyond mere assistance; he honoured and felicitated the sadhus, recognizing their plight and the injustice they faced. Furthermore, MP Mahto arranged for their safe return, ensuring that they were not left vulnerable after the traumatic experience. This gesture of solidarity and support highlights a positive response in the midst of a deeply distressing situation.

In addition to MP Mahto's efforts, the BJP State President, Dr. Sukanta, actively engaged with the situation. He personally spoke with the assaulted sadhus, offering them support and assurance. Dr. Sukanta's promise of help and his commitment to seeking justice for them demonstrate a strong stance against the violence and a dedication to upholding the rights and safety of the sadhus. This interaction signifies the political attention and response the incident has garnered.

Amidst the ongoing discussions and actions following the attack, locals have pointed fingers at a specific individual, Anwar Sheikh. Sheikh, identified as a TMC supporter and a civic volunteer with the West Bengal police, is alleged to be behind the attack on the sadhus. This accusation brings to light a potential link between the attackers and political affiliations, suggesting deeper layers of complexity and controversy surrounding the incident.

A grim outlook on the investigation's outcome has been expressed, rooted in skepticism about the influence of political figures. The statement, "It is obvious that nothing will come out of this investigation because Mamata Banerjee is surviving on the crutches of the likes of Sheikh Shahjahan and Anwars of the world," reflects a distrust in the efficacy of the investigation. It implies that the influence of certain political figures and their affiliates may hinder the pursuit of justice, casting doubt on the integrity of the process. This sentiment underscores the challenges and frustrations faced by those seeking accountability and justice in cases marred by political complexities and allegations of bias.