Bengal BJP govt reopens 2021 post-poll violence cases, launches fresh FIR drive across state

The West Bengal government led by Suvendu Adhikari has initiated a major statewide crackdown in connection with the 2021 post-poll violence cases by reopening previously closed investigations, launching hundreds of fresh enquiries, and registering new FIRs. The action comes shortly after the BJP formed its first government in Bengal, ending the All India Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule.

 

According to officials, West Bengal Police have started 458 fresh enquiries into incidents linked to the 2021 post-election violence and registered 181 new FIRs in murder, assault, arson and intimidation cases. Authorities have also reopened 59 cases where closure reports had already been filed during the previous regime.

 

The renewed investigation process began after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed police authorities across the state to invoke provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and take action in all pending complaints linked to the violence that erupted after the 2021 Assembly election results.

 

 

The Chief Minister also appealed to victims and their families to approach the police and file complaints, assuring them that cases would be investigated even if documentary evidence was not immediately available.

 

The move is being seen as one of the most significant legal and administrative exercises launched by the new BJP government since assuming office on May 9 after securing 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly.

 

The 2021 post-poll violence had triggered massive political controversy after multiple reports of killings, assaults, vandalism, displacement, arson and attacks on political workers emerged from several districts of West Bengal. The BJP had repeatedly accused the then TMC government of shielding perpetrators and suppressing investigations.

 

 

 

Sources said police stations across Bengal have now been instructed to revisit old complaints, review final reports and identify cases that were allegedly ignored or prematurely closed. Several cases involving allegations of murder, land grabbing, extortion and political intimidation are also reportedly under fresh scrutiny. 

 

Meanwhile, Abhishek Banerjee criticised the Centre and alleged that central forces remained silent during the violence. He also claimed that TMC counting agents and candidates were removed from counting centres in some constituencies during the 2026 Assembly elections.

 

Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier approached the Calcutta High Court over violence following the 2026 election results, alleging that attacks, arson and intimidation were taking place across the state and that women, minorities and party workers were being targeted.