Tensions escalated in Malda’s Mothabari ahead of Eid following allegations that firecrackers were set off in front of a mosque, sparking violent clashes between two groups. As per police sources, 19 cases have been registered, and over 60 individuals have been arrested in connection with the unrest.
Amid the fallout, the Bengal BJP has alleged that the police have selectively targeted Hindus in the arrests. Posting the list of the accused persons on March 30, 2025, West Bengal BJP’s spokesperson Rajarshi Lahiri wrote on the X handle, “Look at the names. All & only hindus arrested in Mothabari Malda jihad case where hindus wr beaten, hindu shops wr vandalised. Amazing cowardly act by @WBPolice. Complete failure of administration we need article 355. Utter shame & disgrace madam CM. Everyone has seen the videos.”
In a Facebook post Bengali Actor and BJP leader Rudranil Ghosh reiterated the allegation.
Fact Check/ Verification
To verify the viral claim, Newschecker first reached out to Sambhab Jain, Additional Superintendent of Malda Police. He dismissed the viral claim as false, stating that the police have so far arrested 63 people in connection with the Mothabari violence. He further clarified that those arrested include individuals from various religious communities, not just Hindus.
He also shared the list of the accused with Newschecker, which revealed that 13 individuals from a particular religion other than Hinduism were also among those arrested. They were presented in court on March 28, 2025. Newschecker is withholding the names and identities of the accused for security reasons as the charges against the accused are yet to be proven.
We also verified that on March 29, another group of 21 accused were presented in court. Their names have since been circulating on social media.
Malda District Police dismissed the viral claim circulating on social media as misleading on March 31, 2025. They reported that on March 27, 2025, following incidents of stone pelting between two groups, officers intervened, dispersed the crowds, and arrested five individuals from both sides. However, on March 28, fresh violence erupted as one group allegedly resumed stone pelting, targeting both the other group and the police, causing damage. In response, police reinforcements were deployed, and 21 individuals were arrested based on specific identification. So far, a total of 63 people have been arrested in connection with the Mothabari clashes.
Conclusion
Thus it is clear that the claim that only Hindus were arrested in the Malda’s Mothabari violence is misleading, as individuals from other communities were also among those arrested.
Sources
Telephonic conversation with Sambhab Jain, Additional Superintendent of Malda District Police.
Facebook post by Malda District Police
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