In a distressing series of events on the night of May 17th, unidentified individuals caused severe damage to four Hindu temples in Kholai gram, Dhupguri, located in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. This violent act affected two temples dedicated to Goddess Kali, one to Lord Shiv, and one to Lord Shani, suggesting a coordinated attack.

The specific temples targeted were Choupathi Kali Mata Mandir, Satvendi Shiv Mandir, Janglibari Kali Mandir, and Gorerari Shani Mandir. The destruction was extensive, with idols within these sacred spaces broken and temple structures compromised.

This alarming discovery was made early Saturday morning, leading to a swift and robust response from the local Hindu community. Outraged by the attack, hundreds of residents gathered to protest vehemently against this violation of their religious sanctuaries. The protests escalated quickly, resulting in major disruptions. Demonstrators blocked several key transportation routes, including National Highway 27. The impact spread to the railways as well, with protestors halting trains at Shalbari and Falakata stations. Significant road intersections throughout the area were also obstructed by the crowds.

Amidst the turmoil, there were reports that police forces faced challenges reaching the vandalized sites. It is alleged that protestors stopped the police vehicles, adding to the tension and complexity of the situation.

In response to the widespread disruption caused by the protests in Dhupguri, vehicles found themselves ensnared in traffic for hours due to the numerous roadblocks instigated by the protestors. To address the escalating situation, District Superintendent of Police, Khandbahale Umesh Ganpat, arrived at the scene with a substantial deployment of law enforcement officers. Their primary goal was to restore order and ensure public safety amidst the growing unrest.

As the community grappled with the shock and aftermath of the night's events, local Hindu residents convened an open assembly to deliberate on the incident and plan their response. The meeting saw a significant turnout, including representatives from the desecrated temples and revered local Hindu saints. This gathering was not only a demonstration of solidarity but also a forum for collective action.

During this assembly, First Information Reports (FIRs) were officially filed by the committees of the affected temples. This legal action was undertaken in the presence of thousands of locals and activists from various Hindu organizations, including the Viswa Hindu Parishad and the Hindu Jagran Manch, underscoring the community's unified stance against the attacks.

A particularly poignant account came from the secretary of the Satvendi Shiv Temple, who detailed the damage in their complaint. According to the secretary, "on the intervening night between 17 and 18 May, the idol of Goddess Kali at the Khalaigram Shiv Temple at Satvendi in Dhupguri was found vandalised and broken." This statement highlighted not only the physical damage inflicted upon the religious icon but also the emotional and spiritual toll such acts of vandalism take on the Hindu community.

The gravity of the situation in Dhupguri became even clearer as details from the complaints filed by the temple committees emerged. According to the complaint from the Satvendi Shiv Temple, the incident was deeply wounding to the community, stating, "This incident has hurt the sentiments of devotees of Goddess in particular and Hindu population." It further emphasized the severity of the vandalism, describing it as "the most condemnable act" at a revered place of worship.

Echoing the sentiments of devastation, the secretary of the Khalaigram Kali Temple also lodged a complaint, which similarly reported the heartbreaking condition of their idol. The complaint revealed that the idol of Goddess Kali was discovered vandalized and shattered early in the morning at around 5 AM on May 18th. This vandalism was first noticed by a local resident, indicating how deeply these acts of desecration have penetrated into the community’s daily lives.

The response from the local population has been one of profound dissatisfaction and determination for justice. In a robust display of protest, the residents of Dhupguri have called for a complete shutdown, a bandh, in the entire subdivision for the following day. This decisive action reflects the community's call for solidarity and immediate attention to their grievances.

Furthermore, there are plans to extend the protest beyond mere street demonstrations. The community intends to submit deputations in all police stations across North Bengal, ensuring that their demands for security and justice are heard widely and that measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

In the wake of the disturbing events in Dhupguri, the local police force, under the direction of SP Khandbahale Umesh Ganpat, has committed to taking swift and decisive legal action to apprehend those responsible for the vandalism. The SP, visibly distressed by the incidents, conveyed his empathy towards the protestors, acknowledging the gravity of the situation by stating, "what has happened is not acceptable." However, he also addressed the method of protest, advising against the blocking of roads and urging the community to remove the blockades, highlighting the need for maintaining order while seeking justice.

In his commitment to resolution, SP Ganpat issued a detailed written statement, emphasizing his personal involvement in the matter. He noted that he "visited the spot, talked to locals along with the temple committee," and reassured everyone present that the police would "ensure legal action and arrest of the culprits in the shortest of time." This assurance aims to reinforce the police's dedication to restoring peace and legal order in the community.

Amidst these local responses, the political reaction has also been stark. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal has openly criticized the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), attributing the violence to the state government's policies. A post made by the West Bengal BJP on the social media platform X starkly criticized the state leadership, declaring, "This violent act is a direct consequence of TMC’s relentless appeasement politics, which perpetually endangers the Hindu community." The BJP's message echoed the sentiments of the local residents, stating, "Local residents are rightfully protesting against this blatant aggression. We demand immediate and uncompromising justice!"

Amidst the ongoing unrest in Dhupguri, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a prominent Hindu nationalist organization, voiced its disapproval and concern through a spokesperson. The representative expressed the community's frustration, stating, "The entire Hindu community is angry against the vandalism of four temples near the college last night (17-18 May) in Dhupguri under Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal and the indifference of the local government administration on it." This statement reflects a deep-seated discontent with both the acts of vandalism and the perceived lack of adequate response from local authorities.

In a further demonstration of solidarity and support for those affected, Devdutta Maji, a BJP activist and former candidate for the Chowringhee Vidhan Sabha in 2021, took to the social media platform X to raise awareness and mobilize support. His post detailed the events and the community's response: "Today early in the morning 4 temples were vandalised and idols were broken in, Dhupguri, Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. Rightfully Hindus came out in the open and protested against this heinous act."

Maji also announced that his organization, SinghaBahini, is prepared to offer legal support to those impacted by the police's response to the protests. He encouraged "Family members of the arrested person or anyone against whom cases are framed by West Bengal police may please contact with our senior Advocate and Vice President of SinghaBahini advocate Shri Gopal Mandal in the given WhatsApp number with details of the case." He provided two WhatsApp numbers (8582959721 and 9748758979) for this purpose, ensuring that those affected have a direct line to assistance.

His message concluded with a rallying cry that resonates deeply within the community, "Jai ShreeRAM, Jai Maa KALI, 🕉🕉🙏🕉🕉"—a reaffirmation of faith and a call for unity in the face of adversity.

Meanwhile, the political discourse in West Bengal took a heated turn as Mamata Banerjee publicly criticized prominent Hindu religious organizations—ISKON, Ramakrishna Mission, and Bharat Sevashram Sangh. These institutions, founded by revered spiritual leaders such as A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Swami Vivekananda, and Swami Pranavananda, hold significant influence and are followed by millions of Hindus globally. Banerjee's remarks included a pointed reference to keeping "a note of all" and specifically singled out one Maharaj for speaking 'against' the TMC. Her criticism extended to Bharat Sevashram Sangh, questioning its contributions during natural calamities, despite its long-standing service in disaster response. She further accused the Ramakrishna Mission of politically influencing voters via WhatsApp to support the BJP, a serious allegation implying political partisanship in religious activities.

Amit Malviya, a key figure in the BJP, responded vigorously to Banerjee’s comments on the social media platform X. He emphasized the gravity of her accusations given her position as Chief Minister, stating: "In a new low, Mamata Banerjee attacks ISKON, Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangh. Revered spiritual Gurus like A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Swami Vivekananda and Swami Pranavananda established these orders respectively and count millions of Hindus around the world as their devotees. She says that she keeps “a note of all" and categorically names one Maharaj, as he speaks ‘against’ the TMC. Mamata Banerjee has obviously lost it when she attacks Bharat Sevashram Sangh, which risks lives of its devotees, to help people during times of flood and natural calamities. But Mamata Banerjee thinks they are threatening the country's future! She goes on to attack the Ramakrishna Mission alleging they are asking votes for the BJP via Whatsapp."

Malviya’s critique was scathing, not just dismissing Banerjee’s remarks as a simple misstep but characterizing them as a "delusional rant of a frustrated individual" unbefitting her office. He concluded his post with a strong rebuke of her leadership, stating, "It is a travesty that people of Bengal have to suffer her. She is a disgrace to Bengali sensibilities, someone who has no regard for the faith and culture of the Hindu Bengalis. West Bengal needs to get rid of her."