HC Deb 11 July 1927 vol 208 cc1717-8
3. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has any information as to the communal riots at Nadia, in Bengal; and whether these riots are political or religious in origin?

9. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has any information to give the House regarding the reported communal riots in the Nadia district of Bengal?

Earl WINTERTON

I will, with the permission of the hon. Members, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a Report made by the Government of Bengal.

Colonel DAY

Can the Noble Lord say whether any people were killed in these riots?

Earl WINTERTON

The Report is rather long. The trouble began by a large party of Mohammedans making an attack on a Hindu village. One on either side appears to have been killed. Other attacks took place, and there were wounded on both sides. One person is reported missing.

Following is the report: Communal riots occurred in some villages of the Meherpur sub-division of Nadia district on the 3rd July. The trouble began by a large party of Mohammedans, mostly from the Murshidabad district, making an attack on a Hindu village, wherein one on either side is believed to have been killed. The attackers withdrew, and Hindus of neighbouring villages attacked Mohammedan co-villagers, burning 20 houses and the mosque. There were some wounded on both sides. Meanwhile, the first party of Mohammedans burnt a house in a third village, and caused gunshot wounds to four persons. The same night, one Hindu was murdered by an unknown Mohammedan in a fourth village, where, on the morning of the 4th, some cowherds were assaulted, of whom one is missing. The sub-divisional officer reached the disturbed area early on the afternoon of the 3rd. The magistrate and superintendent of police, with a small armed force, arrived on or about the afternoon of the 4th, after delay due to difficulties of communication. The magistrate found all quiet on his arrival, and returned to headquarters at night. Armed reinforcements were sent on the 5th. Inquiries are proceeding.