A violent clash broke out in Beldanga, Murshidabad district of West Bengal, on Sunday after an alleged objectionable message appeared on a digital board at a temporary gate near a Kartik Puja pandal.The clash, which resulted in minor injuries to several people, also saw the vandalism of shops and houses. The violence escalated with the use of crude bombs, and a police vehicle was attacked. In response to the escalating situation, police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the mobs and 15 individuals being arrested, while authorities imposed prohibitory orders and suspended internet services in the area

The BJP criticised the administration of Mamata Banerjee, alleging that the miscreants "belonged to a certain group," which the party claimed was being protected by the ruling government.

The incident, which unfolded late on Saturday night, involved two groups who clashed over the message displayed during the festival. A police officer stated that the first group, consisting of youths gathered near the pandal, was angered by the controversial message. As tensions escalated, a second group arrived, and both sides began throwing stones at each other. The situation soon deteriorated, with the groups vandalising shops and homes in the vicinity and resorting to crude bombs. During the unrest, a police vehicle was also attacked, and authorities had to use a lathi charge to disperse the mob.

By Sunday morning, the police managed to bring the situation under control, although tensions remained high in the area. Shops remained shut, and police, along with Rapid Action Force personnel, were deployed to patrol sensitive zones.

A senior police official confirmed that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were imposed in Beldanga, as well as the nearby areas of Kazisaha and Begurban. In addition, internet services were suspended to prevent the spread of misinformation.

The Bhagirathi Express, travelling from Sealdah to Murshidabad, was delayed for several hours as the clashes occurred near the station, further escalating the situation. The BJP has strongly criticised the administration of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for its handling of the situation. BJP state president and Union minister Sukanta Majumdar took to X, accusing the state government of inaction. He said: "The state administration has failed to protect people as miscreants have let loose a reign of anarchy in the entire area. Is this part of a deeper plan to turn West Bengal into Bangladesh?" Majumdar urged the people of Beldanga not to "fall prey to anyone's provocation" and called on the police to restore peace.

In response, a senior leader of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) assured that the situation was under control, with steps being taken to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence. The TMC leader also accused the BJP of engaging in “divisive, communal” politics, particularly in the wake of the unrest.