Alleged Mastermind of 2021 Comilla Durga Puja Violence Reportedly Detained in Kolkata

Melbourne, 13 June: Fresh discussion has emerged surrounding the 2021 communal violence linked to the Durga Puja celebrations in Comilla, Bangladesh, following reports circulating on social media that Baharuddin, a man previously accused of involvement in the incident, has been detained in Kolkata, India.

According to claims shared on social media and reports published by some Indian media outlets, Baharuddin, who was allegedly linked to the placement of a copy of the Quran at a Durga Puja pavilion in Comilla in October 2021, was recently identified in Kolkata after years of remaining out of public view. Reports claim that he has since been taken into custody by local authorities.

The 2021 incident triggered widespread unrest across Bangladesh after a copy of the Quran was discovered near a Hindu idol at a Durga Puja venue on the banks of Nanuar Dighi in Comilla. Images of the scene quickly spread across social media, fuelling outrage and leading to violent attacks in several parts of the country.

In the days that followed, Hindu temples, homes and businesses came under attack in multiple districts. Reports from the period indicated that hundreds of Hindu families were affected by arson and vandalism, while numerous people lost their lives during the violence.

Subsequent investigations examined CCTV footage from the area. The footage reportedly showed a man carrying the Quran into the pavilion and placing it near the idol. Police later identified the individual as Iqbal Hossain, who was subsequently arrested.

During the investigation, media reports at the time alleged that another individual, identified as Baharuddin, may have played a role in orchestrating the incident. Bangladeshi authorities launched efforts to locate him, but he reportedly disappeared and remained untraceable.

The controversy resurfaced this week after a video circulating on social media allegedly showed Baharuddin in Kolkata. The claims gained further attention when veteran BJP leader Tathagata Roy posted on X, stating that Kolkata Police had arrested Baharuddin. Roy noted that his information was based on reports circulating on social media.

Tathagata Roy posted on X, stating that Kolkata Police had arrested Baharuddin.

Additional reports have claimed that Baharuddin had been living in Kolkata along with several family members, including his wife, son and parents, and that they possessed Indian identity documents such as Aadhaar and ration cards. However, these claims have not been independently verified.

As of now, Kolkata Police has not publicly issued an official statement confirming the reported arrest or addressing the allegations circulating online.

Questions have also been raised regarding how the accused may have entered India and obtained official documentation if the reports prove accurate.

Human rights organisations and minority rights advocates have repeatedly cited the 2021 Comilla violence as one of the most significant communal incidents in recent Bangladeshi history. The attacks prompted widespread concern about the safety and security of the country’s Hindu minority community and led to calls for stronger protections against religiously motivated violence.

At present, public interest remains high as observers in both Bangladesh and India await official confirmation regarding the reports surrounding Baharuddin and any potential legal proceedings that may follow.