Gaighata Resident Removes Deity Images From Wall After Hindutva Group’s Protest, Police Mediate.

Sankirtan Das | HENB | Thakurnagar, North 24 Parganas (WB) | June 3, 2026:: A controversy over the placement of images of Hindu deities and revered spiritual figures on the boundary wall of a private residence in Gaighata has sparked debate over religious sentiments, private property rights, and the methods employed by activist groups to enforce their concerns. The dispute, which unfolded in the Jorapukur area of Chiknapara in Thakurnagar, was eventually resolved following police intervention, though the family at the center of the controversy claims the incident left them deeply shaken.

Hindutva Group Demands Removal of Religious Images

According to local sources, a group of young men and women  arrived at the residence of Nilanjan Maitra, a government official, on Sunday night and identified themselves as members of  Hindutva organizations linked to VHP and  Bajrang Dal. The group allegedly demanded the immediate removal of several ceramic tiles depicting Hindu deities and prominent spiritual personalities that had been installed along the lower section of the boundary wall surrounding the house.

The visitors reportedly argued that the placement of the images at such a low level was disrespectful and offensive to Hindu religious sentiments. They claimed that the images were vulnerable to becoming dirty, damaged, or otherwise desecrated because of their position close to the ground.

What began as a discussion soon escalated into a heated confrontation after Maitra requested additional time before taking any action. According to family members, the situation became more tense when the homeowner asked the group to produce identification cards or credentials proving their affiliation with a recognized organization.

Homeowner Alleges Intimidation and Abuse

Speaking about the incident, Nilanjan Maitra alleged that his request for identification was met with hostility.

“I merely asked to see the organization’s identity cards. Following that, they spoke to me using abusive language,” he said.

Maitra further claimed that after the confrontation he approached the local police station seeking assistance. However, according to him, police officials advised him to remove the images from the wall in order to prevent further tension.

Following these developments, members of the family removed all the images from the boundary wall.

The incident has reportedly left the family fearful. Maitra’s wife, Swastika Maitra Biswas, said the issue was not new and that similar demands had been made in the past.

“Three months ago, a group of people visited our home and asked us to remove the images from the wall. We are terrified by today’s incident,” she said.

Family members stated that the repeated visits and demands have created an atmosphere of anxiety within the household.

Objections Raised by Bajrang Dal Member

Defending the demand for removal of the images, Bajrang Dal member Bappa Majumdar argued that the issue was not the presence of the religious images themselves but the manner in which they were being used.

According to Majumdar, images of Hindu deities and respected religious figures, including Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda, and Loknath Baba, had been placed on the boundary wall primarily to discourage people from dirtying or urinating near the property.

He contended that using sacred images for such a purpose was inappropriate and hurt the religious sentiments of many Hindus.

“The manner in which the images of the deities were positioned there was offensive to Hindu sentiments. Using images of Hindu deities—as well as spiritual luminaries such as Sri Chaitanya, Ramakrishna, Sarada Ma, Vivekananda, and Loknath Baba—on a boundary wall simply to prevent people from dirtying it is highly objectionable. We had been asking him to remove them for several months, but he refused to listen,” Majumdar said.

His remarks suggest that the disagreement had been simmering for months before culminating in Sunday’s confrontation.

MLA Weighs In on the Controversy

Subrata Thakur, the MLA representing the Gaighata Assembly constituency, also commented on the issue. While agreeing that the placement of the images was inappropriate, he urged the family not to feel threatened and assured them that the administration would take action against any intimidation.

“The images were affixed to the lower section of the wall. Consequently, they were getting soiled. It was an unsightly arrangement,” the MLA observed.

At the same time, he emphasized that no individual or group had the right to threaten residents.

Addressing the family directly, Thakur said, “Do not panic unnecessarily. If anyone threatens you, inform the administration. The administration will take action.”

His statement sought to balance concerns about religious sensitivity with the need to maintain public order and prevent intimidation.

Police Intervention Brings Immediate Resolution

Although the dispute generated considerable tension, no reports of physical violence have emerged. Police intervention appears to have played a crucial role in defusing the situation and preventing further escalation.

Following discussions with local authorities, the family removed the religious images from the wall, bringing the immediate controversy to an end. However, questions remain regarding the circumstances under which the removal occurred and whether the family felt compelled to comply because of social pressure and fear of confrontation.

Wider Questions Raised

The incident has triggered broader discussion within the local community regarding several interconnected issues:

• The appropriate and respectful display of religious symbols and images in public and private spaces.
• The extent to which community organizations can intervene when they believe religious sentiments have been hurt.
• Concerns over alleged intimidation and the use of pressure tactics by activist groups.
• The responsibility of law enforcement agencies in balancing religious sensitivities with individual rights.
• The need for dialogue and legal channels to address disputes involving faith and public sentiment.

A larger movement ahead?

The dispute in Thakurnagar reflects the complex intersection of religious reverence, community activism, and private property rights. While members of a Hindutva-affiliated group maintained that the images of deities and spiritual leaders were being displayed in a manner they considered disrespectful, the homeowner and his family allege that they faced intimidation and verbal abuse when they questioned the group’s authority.

With the images now removed and the immediate conflict resolved through police mediation, the incident continues to generate discussion about how religious concerns should be addressed in a democratic society and the importance of ensuring that disagreements are settled through lawful and non-coercive means.

According to sources, VHP and Bajrang Dal members are ready to launch a larger movement to curb the disrespectful use of Hindu deities and spiritual figures by some people in a highly inappropriate manner.
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_Agency Inputs.