Moon Desk: The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has documented a series of violent incidents in West Bengal following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s recent electoral victory, pointing to what it describes as a pattern of targeted attacks and intimidation, particularly against Muslims.
According to the report, the incidents occurred between May 4 and May 7, 2026, spanning at least eight districts. The worst-affected areas include Cooch Behar and North 24 Parganas with seven incidents each, followed by South 24 Parganas and Kolkata reporting five incidents each.
The report documents 34 separate cases of violence and intimidation, with at least two fatalities. Among those killed was a Muslim man who died while attempting to protect a mosque in Gosanimari in Cooch Behar.
Beyond physical assaults, the report highlights widespread economic and social targeting. Cattle markets were allegedly forced shut, meat shops ransacked, and individuals associated with non-vegetarian food businesses singled out. In some areas, there were also reported attempts to rename roads and public spaces bearing Muslim-associated names.
APCR states that at least 54 properties were attacked or damaged during the period under review, affecting around 50 Muslims directly or indirectly. The violence also extended to political infrastructure, with offices and residences linked to the All India Trinamool Congress reportedly targeted.
The report details attacks on mosques in Cooch Behar, demolition of Muslim-owned hotels in Barasat, vandalism of homes in Nandina and Abutra villages, and assaults on street vendors and shopkeepers in Kolkata. It also refers to “bulldozer processions,” describing them as acts of organised destruction and intimidation directed at Muslim-owned properties.
APCR said the findings were compiled through local sources, citing limitations in mainstream coverage and access. It argued that the documented cases point to a broader climate of hostility rather than isolated incidents, and called for urgent attention to the situation.
There was no immediate official response from state authorities or the BJP regarding the findings at the time of publication.
