Alleged Political Violence Over Land Dispute

Kamal Kumar Biswas

Senior Correspondent 

A long-standing land dispute in South Dinajpur escalated into a night of brutal violence on Tuesday, leaving several BJP workers from the minority community fighting for their lives. The incident, which took place in the Kokot (Shahabazpur) area of Kumarganj block, has once again highlighted the volatile intersection of property feuds and political rivalry in rural Bengal.

The primary victim, Kausar Ali Molla, a BJP BLA-2 functionary, was allegedly targeted alongside several others, including Manjuara Bibi and Rafikul Ali Molla. According to victims and witnesses, a group of assailants armed with sharp weapons and bamboo sticks launched a coordinated attack on Tuesday evening.The violence was indiscriminate, reportedly sparing neither the elderly nor women. Local residents claimed that Rajjab Ali Molla, aged 80, was assaulted, and a local youth who attempted to intervene was also beaten.The tension reportedly stems from a private land dispute. Kausar Ali Molla stated that the accused had previously trespassed and cut down trees on his family’s property.

​"I filed a written complaint at the Kumarganj police station, and the police issued notices to the accused," Kausar explained. "Instead of following the law, they used the notice as an excuse to launch this near-fatal attack."Reacting strongly, BJP South Dinajpur district secretary Rajat Ghosh called the incident “a grotesque attempt to terrorize and silence the BJP through brute force.” He asserted that the attack stemmed from resentment over a member of the Minority community working as a BJP BLA-2. “This was an outright attempt at murder,” Mr. Rajat Ghosh said, adding that the party would not be cowed by violence and stood firmly with the injured families.

The injured were initially taken to Kumarganj Rural Hospital, where they received emergency treatment. Four of them were later referred to Balurghat District Hospital due to the severity of their injuries. BJP district president Swarup Chowdhury remained at the district hospital, overseeing medical care and extending support. Rajat Ghosh also stated that formal written complaints would be submitted to the police after the completion of primary medical treatment.