Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday alleged that BJP-backed miscreants set fire to shops belonging to Muslims and other traders in West Bengal’s Purba Medinipur district, claiming that more than 60 establishments were destroyed overnight in what he described as a “barbaric” attack.
In a social media post, the Trinamool Congress leader said the incident occurred in Khejuri’s Nichkasba GP area under Hijli Sharif and accused political opponents of attempting to disturb Bengal’s communal harmony.
“Over 60 shops were torched by BJP-backed miscreants, destroying the livelihoods of innocent people overnight,” Banerjee wrote, alleging that Hindu-owned and Muslim-owned shops were both targeted in the violence.
He further claimed that the incident was “not an attack on any one community” but a “calculated assault on Bengal’s social harmony, democratic fabric and ordinary citizens.”
The allegations came alongside visuals circulating on social media showing large flames engulfing market structures and debris scattered across the affected area.
The All India Trinamool Congress leader also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of pursuing politics of “hatred, intimidation and destruction,” while demanding immediate identification and arrest of those responsible.
Police authorities in West Bengal have also not yet issued a detailed statement confirming the cause of the fire, the extent of the damage or whether any arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
The affected traders are reportedly assessing losses after large sections of the market area were reduced to ashes in the overnight blaze.
Security deployment was reportedly intensified in the area to prevent further escalation and maintain law and order.
Further details regarding casualties, ownership records of the damaged shops and the findings of any official investigation were awaited. [KNT]
Is this how you plan to drive “Bhoi” out? By setting Bengal on fire?
What unfolded in Khejuri’s Nichkasba GP, Hijli Sharif is nothing short of barbaric.
Over 60 shops were torched by BJP-backed miscreants, destroying the livelihoods of innocent people overnight. Hindu-owned… pic.twitter.com/k9xHsjDtHa
— Abhishek Banerjee (@abhishekaitc) May 10, 2026
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