Violence and West Bengal traditionally go hand in hand. Thus, the violent agitation witnessed in Beldanga of the Murshidabad district was no big deal, more so since the state Assembly elections are just round the corner. What was shocking was the attack on journalists deployed to cover the protest. Soma Maity, a woman journalist of Zee 24 Ghanta, and her cameraman were chased for over a kilometre and brutally assaulted for their crime of covering the news. And it was not an isolated instance. The next day, ABP Ananda reporter Prathapratim Ghosh and cameraman Ujjwal Ghosh were targeted by the murderous mob.

Police inaction and erosion of law and order

Law and order are a state subject under the Indian Constitution. The West Bengal Police were deployed in the troubled area. Unfortunately, either the state police, under instructions from higher-ups, were reluctant to intervene, or they have simply forgotten their primary duty over the past 15 years since the Trinamool Congress has been in power.

Roots of political violence

The rot started long before the Trinamool Congress took over the reins of the state. It can be traced back to the 34 years of the Left Front rule. Hoodlums and lumpen elements started ruling the streets as they were supposed to be the Left cadre. Protest and political activities were silenced, often through broad........

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