Daijiworld Media Network- Murshidabad

Murshidabad, Apr 17: The grieving family of Hargobindo Das and Chandan Das, a father and son duo brutally killed during the recent communal violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, has refused the compensation offered by the state government, citing irreparable loss and alleged police inaction.

The violence erupted last week in the minority-dominated region amid protests against the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act. What began as demonstrations quickly escalated into deadly unrest, claiming three lives, including that of the Das duo, residents of Samserganj.

According to the family's complaint, on the morning of April 12, a mob of protesters stormed their home and hacked Hargobindo and Chandan Das to death in front of their horrified relatives.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, addressing a gathering of religious leaders on Wednesday, announced an ex-gratia compensation of ?10 lakh each to the families of those killed. However, the Das family has categorically declined the offer. “No amount can bring them back. We don’t want compensation. Had the police reached in time, they might still be alive,” a family member stated.

The family also highlighted the ongoing climate of fear in Samserganj, despite the deployment of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel. The shadow of fear loomed large even during the shradh (post-death rituals) held on April 15, with key ceremonial participants, such as priests and barbers, refraining from attending due to safety concerns.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident. A team from the commission is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata to meet women from displaced families and hold discussions with the Murshidabad District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police.

The violence and its aftermath have sparked renewed concerns over law and order, and the administration’s preparedness in handling communal unrest.