Odisha Police arrest 6 linked to Murshidabad violence

Jharsuguda (Odisha) [India], April 21 (ANI): Odisha Police on Monday arrested six people linked to the recent violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad district. The accused were nabbed from their hideout in Jharsuguda, an official said.
"Six persons have been arrested from their hideout in Jharsuguda. They were involved in the arson and rioting cases in Jafrabad and Betbona villages in Samserganj, Jangipur Police District in Murshidabad, and had escaped to Odisha after the incident," the official said.
Police are also verifying if the arrested individuals were involved in the double murder case reported in Murshidabad.
Earlier in the day, BJP leader Agnimitra Paul expressed serious concern over the violence, calling it a planned act of "ethnic cleansing" allegedly carried out with the support of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and local leaders.

Paul demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the incident.
Speaking to ANI, she said, "NCW and NHRC are submitting their reports on the ground reality in Murshidabad, to the Governor. The Hindus of West Bengal are in a very scary situation. This is not a riot, it is a very planned act, under the leadership of local leaders and with the support of Mamata Banerjee... We want an investigation by the NIA so that the truth comes out... This is ethnic cleansing and is going on in a very planned way."
The violence began on April 11 in the Muslim-majority Murshidabad district during a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The protest turned violent, leading to the deaths of two people, injuries to several others, and property damage. The unrest forced thousands to flee their homes.
The protests later spread to other districts including Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly, and involved arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades.
Following the violence, many families migrated to Jharkhand's Pakur district, while others are staying in relief camps in Malda.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a public appeal on Saturday urging people to maintain peace and unity. She accused the BJP and affiliated organisations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of exploiting the incident for political gains.
In an open letter, Banerjee said certain groups were "using the backdrop of an unfortunate incident" to promote a divisive agenda. (ANI)