Malda not a communal incident, it was BSF vs people clash, says Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reiterated her stand that last week's violence in Malda district was not a result of a communal flare-up. Accusing the media of misreporting the facts of the case, Banerjee said: "Kaliachak issue was between BSF and local people, so it was not a communal matter".

On 4 January, over two lakh people hit the streets in Malda district, West Bengal, protesting against Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha leader Kamlesh Tiwari for his alleged derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammed made almost a month back.

The protesters went on a rampage which lead to arson and gunfire. They set two dozen vehicles on fire and attacked the Kaliachak Police Station.

The Home Ministry has asked Ms Banerjee's government to submit a report on the violence. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to visit Malda on 18 January.