West Bengal Govt Orders Probe Into CAA-Linked Violence In Murshidabad Under Mamata Rule

Last Updated:June 07, 2026, 11:12 IST

The anti-CAA protests of December 2019 had a significant impact on railway operations in West Bengal, with several stations and trains targeted by vandalism and arson.

The new BJP government in West Bengal has ordered an investigation into the violence that took place in Murshidabad during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). Incidents involving the destruction of railway property during the agitation have also come under scrutiny.

Sources told CNN-News18 that a special cell is being set up within the state police to investigate the cases. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has reportedly directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to identify those responsible for the violence and damage to public property.

According to sources, individuals found responsible for setting railway property on fire or causing damage to railway infrastructure may be required to compensate for the losses incurred. Recovery proceedings could be initiated against the accused in accordance with applicable legal provisions.

Railway Infrastructure Bore The Brunt Of 2019 Protests

The anti-CAA protests of December 2019 had a significant impact on railway operations in West Bengal. Railway stations and trains were among the primary targets of vandalism and arson.

Official records show that since December 13, 2019, protesters have vandalised or set fire to 19 railway stations and 20 trains across the state. Stones were allegedly hurled at passing trains, ticket booking counters were damaged, and railway tracks were blocked at multiple locations.

The disruption forced the cancellation of 655 trains, severely affecting passenger movement and railway services.

Limited Number of FIRs Registered

Despite the scale of the violence and damage, only 17 FIRs were reportedly registered in connection with incidents of arson, vandalism and rioting at railway premises.

The violence and destruction continued for nearly two days in several affected areas. Critics of the then-TMC government have alleged that adequate protection was not provided to railway properties during the unrest.

They have also pointed to remarks attributed to then Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who reportedly described the incidents as “small incidents," arguing that the administration did not respond with sufficient urgency.

New Government Signals Zero Tolerance

Political observers and security experts view the latest directive as an attempt by the new government to establish a stronger deterrent against violence targeting public infrastructure.

According to analysts, the decision to reopen investigations and pursue compensation from those responsible sends a clear message that attacks on public property, including railway assets, will not be tolerated.

Officials believe that fixing accountability in past cases could set a precedent for dealing with similar incidents in the future and reinforce the principle that those responsible for public damage must bear the consequences.

About the Author

Kamalika Sengupta

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting...Read More

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