Murshidabad violence arrests rise, cops reach out to community

Kolkata/Jangipur: The SIT probing the Murshidabad violence, along with Murshidabad Police and Bengal STF, has arrested 316 people so far in connection with the 138 FIRs registered. Seven of those arrested are implicated in the murders of a father and son at Jafrabad on April 12. At least 10 have been identified in connection with arson at Bedthona and the adjoining villages of Shamsherganj. More arrests were likely by Friday as teams were conducting raids outside the state, said sources. A special STF team is tracking down four fugitives wanted for the double murder, who they say are working as labourers in other states.On Tuesday, Murshidabad Police provided over 500 women with contact details of the SDPO, OC and control room of Jangipur police district. Additionally, the phone numbers of cops were posted throughout the area by Shamsherganj police station.Under the leadership of Subrata Ghosh, who took charge as IC of Shamsherganj police station recently, female cops held meetings with women in several villages. A delegation of female cops made door-to-door visits and heard grievances. The IC was also present.Sources said that while 109 affected houses had been identified so far to release relief funds, the total number of establishments affected by the violence on April 11 and 12 could be much higher.