ReportKolkata: The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has documented 34 incidents of violence and intimidation targeting Muslims across West Bengal in the immediate aftermath of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) landslide victory in the 2026 State Assembly elections. The report, covering May 4 to May 7, highlights attacks on mosques, demolitions, property damage, and threats in at least eight districts.
BJP secured a historic 207 seats out of 294, ending the 15-year rule of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee. The victory marked the first time a right-wing party gained power in the state. Celebrations by BJP supporters coincided with reports of unrest, including clashes that police say resulted in multiple deaths.
According to the APCR report, Cooch Behar and North 24 Parganas each saw seven incidents, followed by South 24 Parganas and the Kolkata Metro area with five each. Howrah recorded four, and Murshidabad three. The organisation claims at least two people died, including a Muslim man allegedly killed while trying to protect a mosque in Gosanimari, Cooch Behar, during a “Jai Shri Ram” procession.
The report details attacks on at least three mosques in Cooch Behar, vandalism of 15 Muslim residences in Nandina and Abutra villages, assaults on an imam in Birsibpur (Howrah), and the demolition of two Muslim-owned hotels in Barasat, North 24 Parganas. It also alleges forcible closures of cattle markets and meat shops in areas like Howrah, Kolkata, and South 24 Parganas, alongside attempts to rename Muslim- associated sites such as “N Para Masjid Bari Road” and “Sirajuddaula Udyan.” clarionindia.net APCR categorised the incidents as including 19 attacks on property. 14 cases of intimidation, four demolitions, and three instances of “bulldozer violence.” It reported at least 54 properties damaged and around 50 Muslims affected physically or through threats. Additional claims involve the prevention of hijab- wearing at a college in Domjur and processions with abusive language in South 24 Parganas. The group described the events as reflecting a “wider climate of hostility,” compiled from local sources due to gaps in mainstream coverage.
Broader reports confirm post-poll violence across the state. Police and officials have acknowledged at least two to four deaths in clashes, with attacks reported on TMC offices and workers as well. TMC leaders alleged vandalism and arson by BJP supporters, while the BJP has denied orchestrating targeted violence, attributing some incidents to internal TMC disputes or unrelated criminal activity.
State police have registered numerous cases and made arrests. The Director General of Police urged calm and confirmed investigations into the deaths. Some social media claims of attacks have faced scrutiny. With fact-checkers identifying unrelated or old videos being circulated.
Political analysts note that West Bengal has a history of intense post-poll violence tied to power shifts. often involving cadre clashes rather than purely communal motives. The APCR report focuses specifically on incidents affecting Muslim communities and properties, raising concerns about communal tensions amid the political transition.
As the BJP prepares to form the government, calls for peace and impartial probes have grown from civil rights groups and opposition parties. Authorities have deployed forces in sensitive areas. The coming days will test the new administration’s ability to restore normalcy in a diverse and politically charged state.
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