Murshidabad, 17 June (H.S.)

The police arrested two youths from Shulitala village under Shamsherganj police station late on Monday night In connection with the Shamsherganj violence in Murshidabad. According to police sources, the duo had gathered attackers from different areas during the violence in Dhuliyan and surrounding areas of Shamsherganj about two months ago.

An officer of Shamsherganj police station said on Tuesday, The names of the arrested youths are Kausar Sheikh and Mustkeen Sheikh. Both are residents of Shulitala village. The police is looking for another 'mastermind' named Mehboob Hasan for his alleged involvement in this violence.

According to police sources, the arrested youths are associated with a well-known NGO of the area. So, they have connections with many people.

Notably, about two months ago, there was large-scale violence in Raghunathganj, Suti and Shamsherganj police station areas under Jangipur police district. The biggest incident took place in Jafarabad village of Shamsherganj where a father and son were murdered together. Along with this, there was widespread violence in Dhuliyan and the adjoining Dakbungla area. Hundreds of shops, houses and government properties were damaged.

According to Jangipur district police sources, about 300 people have been arrested so far for being involved in Shamsherganj violence. More than 150 cases have been registered. Apart from that, a charge sheet has been filed in the Jangipur court against 13 accused involved in the murder of father-son in Jafarabad. Kausar and Mustkeen had vandalized many private institutions and shops including the vandalism of police traffic booths in the area adjoining Dhuliyan Municipality and New Dakbungla crossing, the officersaid. On the day of the riot, they had come to New Dakbungla crossing area far away from their homes in the morning. Then they called youths from different areas and instigated them to vandalize various institutions and houses in the area. The duo were absconding since the complaint was lodged. On Monday night, the police received information from a secret source that both the youths had returned to their homes. Late night, the police raided their houses and arrested them. The arrested youths were produced in Jangipur court on Tuesday with a prayer of police custody.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey