In a swift crackdown on Thursday, Bangaon Police in the North 24 Parganas district arrested two individuals who were allegedly plotting to hoist the Pakistani flag and inscribe anti-India slogans in an attempt to spark communal unrest.
The accused, identified as Chandan Malakar and Pragyajit Mandal, are reportedly active members of a political party and affiliated with the organisation Sanatani Ekta Manch, a platform comprising Hindus.
According to police sources, the plot was uncovered on Wednesday night when a Pakistani flag was discovered hidden inside a toilet at Akaipur railway station, which falls under the jurisdiction of Gopalnagar Police Station. A preliminary examination of the flag suggested it was prepared for public display.
Investigators believe the accused intended to hang the flag and write inflammatory slogans such as "Hindustan Murdabad" and "Pakistan Zindabad" on nearby walls.
Both suspects, who are local residents, were apprehended after a brief investigation. During interrogation, they reportedly confessed to planning the act with the intention of triggering communal tensions in the region.
Superintendent of Police Dinesh Kumar said, “The two accused were preparing to incite unrest by raising anti-national slogans and displaying the Pakistani flag. We have registered a case under appropriate legal sections and produced them before the Bangaon Sub-Divisional Court. They have been taken into police custody for further interrogation.”
He added that a deeper investigation is underway to trace any additional conspirators or wider networks behind the plot. “We are committed to taking strict legal action against anyone attempting to disturb communal harmony in the area,” Kumar said.
The arrests have triggered serious concern in the region, with authorities tightening surveillance to prevent any further attempts at disruption.
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