A series of reports and eyewitness accounts describe escalating violence, discrimination, and state-backed repression against Muslims across India in 2026. In Purulia, West Bengal, a Muslim street vendor was killed by extremist mobs, while others faced police harassment and false charges. Human rights organizations documented widespread attacks, including the demolition of at least 23 mosques, madrasas, and shrines in BJP-ruled states such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The demolitions often occurred without legal notice, targeting centuries-old religious sites.

Post-election violence in West Bengal reportedly intensified under the new BJP government, with bulldozer operations destroying Muslim homes and businesses. The Association for Protection of Civil Rights recorded dozens of violent incidents and property attacks across multiple districts. Human Rights Watch and international observers accused Indian authorities of using collective punishment, unlawful demolitions, and public beatings of Muslim men. U.S. human rights envoy Stephen J. Rapp warned that the persecution could amount to crimes against humanity, citing forced evictions and extrajudicial killings in Assam and Uttar Pradesh.

The reports collectively depict a deteriorating human rights environment for India’s 250 million Muslims, with growing fear, displacement, and erosion of religious freedom.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has claimed that 10,000 people have been pushed into Bangladesh from temporary shelters in various border districts. He also stated that the process of sending another 1,800 people back to Bangladesh is underway. Adhikari made the remarks on Tuesday, June 23, during the state assembly’s budget session while responding to opposition leader Ritabrata Banerjee.

Adhikari said that the state government is enforcing Indian laws and clarified that those being sent back are illegal entrants, not Indian citizens. He emphasized that government funds should not be used to provide food, clothing, or medicine for illegal immigrants. The Chief Minister further indicated that the state’s policy is to hand over such individuals directly to central agencies like the Border Security Force (BSF) instead of detaining them in state jails.

Highlighting border security measures, Adhikari mentioned that 142.79 acres of land have been handed over to the BSF for border fencing, and the construction of barbed wire fences along 600 kilometers of the border is expected to be completed within the next few months.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has called for the direct intervention of India’s Home Minister Amit Shah to halt the demolition and removal of Muslim religious structures in Rajasthan’s border districts. In a message posted on social media platform X on June 21, Owaisi alleged that local administrations in several border districts were deliberately targeting mosques, madrasas, and dargahs for demolition.

Citing information from AIMIM’s Bikaner district president Shafi Jamil Qasmi, Owaisi stated that four mosques and dargahs in Bikaner and nine more in Phalodi, Jaisalmer, and Barmer had already been demolished. He also claimed that eviction notices had been issued against more than a hundred other religious sites. According to Owaisi, the authorities justified the operations on national security grounds, first alleging that the structures were built on grazing land and later citing approval and documentation issues.

Owaisi described the demolitions as discriminatory and unlawful, urging Amit Shah to take immediate action to stop them. As of now, neither the Rajasthan state government nor the Union Home Ministry has issued an official response.

The BJP-led West Bengal government has renamed Kolkata’s historic ‘Sohrabardi Avenue’ as ‘Gopal Mukherjee Road’, a move announced on June 20 and described by Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari as a correction of a long-standing historical error. Adhikari claimed the previous name honored a figure responsible for political violence, while the new name recognizes a ‘true protector and savior’. The decision was made public through Adhikari’s post on X, calling it a historic step taken on West Bengal Day.

Opposition leaders and historians have strongly contested the decision, arguing that the avenue was not named after Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, the last Premier of undivided Bengal, but after his uncle Dr. Hasan Suhrawardy, a renowned physician and educator. Critics, including Trinamool Congress leaders Saket Gokhale and Kunal Ghosh, urged the government to verify historical records, warning that punishing the wrong person’s legacy would be a grave mistake.

The controversy deepened as reports highlighted Hasan Suhrawardy’s humanitarian contributions and Gopal Mukherjee’s violent role in the 1946 Kolkata riots. Observers described the renaming as politically motivated historical distortion that undermines Kolkata’s cultural identity.

A major political upheaval has emerged in West Bengal as a rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress, calling itself the 'Real Trinamool', announced the removal of Mamata Banerjee from the post of party chairperson. The group also declared the temporary suspension of senior leader Abhishek Banerjee. The decision was made at a meeting held at a hotel in New Town, Kolkata, reportedly attended by 60 legislators and 70 municipal councillors. Arup Roy, an MLA from Howrah, was named the new chairperson.

The rebellion followed the expulsion of Ritabrata Banerjee by Mamata’s leadership for alleged anti-party activities. Ritabrata’s supporters responded by forming a new committee, arguing that the party’s constitution requires reconstitution of the national executive every three years, which they claim was overdue since February 2022. Rebel leaders said the move was necessary to preserve organizational legitimacy and continuity.

Reports indicate the Trinamool Congress is now split into three factions. Rebel MPs plan to approach India’s Supreme Court to claim control over the party’s election symbol, while uncertainty looms over the management of about 1,100 crore rupees in party funds.

At least 14 people were killed in a devastating fire that broke out on Monday at a coaching center building in the Aliganj area of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Several others were injured in the incident, according to local sources. Witnesses said the fire spread rapidly throughout the building, trapping students and staff inside. Some students reportedly jumped from the first floor to escape the flames, while videos circulating on social media showed people attempting to flee the burning structure.

Firefighters battled the blaze for more than an hour before bringing it under control. Rescue teams later recovered at least 14 bodies from the site. The building, located in a busy commercial area, also housed a pet shop and several other businesses, which contributed to panic and chaos in the neighborhood. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and announced financial assistance of 200,000 rupees for each victim’s family and additional support for the injured. Local administration officials have pledged to assist the affected families.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has announced plans for a nationwide protest in India following concerns over the demolition of mosques and madrasas. The decision was made during the board’s executive meeting on June 22, 2026, which discussed the protection of Muslim rights, religious freedom, and recent policy actions in several states. The board alleged that incidents of mob violence, demolition drives, and restrictions on religious practices have increased in some BJP-ruled states, threatening social harmony and democratic values.

The board also expressed dissatisfaction with a recent High Court ruling in the Kamal Maula Mosque–Bhojshala case in Madhya Pradesh, claiming it contradicts historical and official records. It pledged legal support to the mosque committee in the ongoing Supreme Court case. The board criticized moves to make singing “Vande Mataram” mandatory in schools and madrasas, arguing that it violates constitutional religious freedom, while welcoming the Calcutta High Court’s interim stay on the directive.

Reaffirming its opposition to the Uniform Civil Code, the board said such measures undermine India’s pluralistic structure. It decided to form a special committee to coordinate the nationwide movement for protecting Muslim rights and religious institutions.

Supporters of the 'Cockroach Janata Party' have launched an indefinite sit-in protest in New Delhi demanding the resignation of India’s education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Defying police orders, the group—formed by Gen Z activists—has set up tents in the capital despite intense summer heat. The movement’s leader, Abhijit Dipke, a recent Boston University graduate, returned to India earlier this month and brought the viral online campaign to the streets.

The protest stems from widespread anger among India’s youth over repeated exam paper leaks and irregularities. Nearly half of India’s 1.4 billion people are under 25, and many face academic and job pressures. The Cockroach Janata Party, which began as a social media satire, gained traction after India’s chief justice compared young people to cockroaches, sparking outrage. Dipke’s movement now boasts over 22 million Instagram followers—twice that of the ruling party.

The government temporarily banned Telegram to curb leaks, but critics called it a short-term fix. More than 15 student suicides between exams have intensified calls for the minister’s resignation. Protesters vow to remain until Pradhan steps down, which would mark the first such resignation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 12-year rule.

An investigative report by international outlet Muslim Mirror has revealed that more than 23 mosques, madrasas, eidgahs, and dargahs were demolished or partially removed across several Indian states in the past 45 days. The report noted that most incidents occurred in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Authorities stated that the demolitions were part of drives to clear government land, remove unauthorized structures, and implement development projects.

Local Muslim communities, however, alleged that long-established religious sites were also targeted under these operations. Residents and affected individuals said that several mosques and dargahs had served as religious and social centers for years, and their sudden demolition caused anxiety and discontent in many areas. Community representatives described the incidents as alarming and called for impartial investigations, accountability, and rehabilitation for those affected.

Administrative officials reiterated that the actions were not aimed at any specific religious group but were part of broader urban development and anti-encroachment measures. Human rights and minority rights observers expressed concern and urged transparent investigations and protection of religious freedom and minority rights.

A large-scale International Yoga Day event on Kolkata’s historic Red Road, attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drew both enthusiasm and political controversy. The event, held on Sunday with thousands of participants, also featured West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose and opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari. Preparations for the program included setting up a large stage and closing the road for several days.

The main controversy centered on the use of Red Road, with critics alleging unequal treatment in granting permission for public events. They pointed out that while permission for Eid prayers at the same location had previously been denied, the road was closed for an extended period for the yoga celebration. Social and political figures argued that uniform policies should apply to all religious and social gatherings held in public spaces.

During the event, Modi described yoga as a symbol of holistic well-being, mental peace, and social unity. Despite similar programs across West Bengal, the debate over Red Road’s use dominated public discussion that day.

Authorities have frozen three bank accounts of India’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) containing about ₹440 crore, placing them under a ‘debit freeze’ that prevents any withdrawals or outward transfers. The move followed a formal complaint by ten rebel TMC legislators demanding an investigation into the source of the funds. A senior police officer confirmed that the accounts, held in a private bank, remain operational only for deposits.

The freeze comes amid escalating internal conflict within the TMC after its recent assembly election defeat. Rival factions led by former minister Aroop Biswas and opposition leader Ritabrata Banerjee have been contesting control over the party’s finances and organization. The rebel legislators alleged that the funds may have originated from illegal activities such as misuse of public money or unauthorized collections, urging a full criminal investigation.

Party insiders said they are awaiting official notice of the freeze. Analysts noted that the suspension of account operations could severely disrupt TMC’s routine expenses and political activities until the leadership dispute and investigation are resolved.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the International Yoga Day celebration held on Kolkata’s historic Red Road on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Thousands attended the event, which featured a large stage and extensive preparations in the surrounding area. West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose and opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari were also present. Adhikari thanked the Prime Minister for promoting yoga in the state, while Modi described yoga as a symbol of holistic development, mental peace, and social unity.

Modi emphasized that regular yoga practice supports physical health, reduces stress and anxiety, and fosters balance in life. He noted that yoga transcends age and builds connection and harmony among people. Similar programs were organized across West Bengal, including at Malda’s Satya Chowdhury Stadium and the riverside near Dakshineswar Kali Temple.

The event sparked controversy as critics questioned why Red Road was closed for the yoga celebration when permission for Eid prayers at the same venue had previously been denied. Some social and political voices called for consistent policies and equal access for all public events.

A court in India has granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) an additional 45 days to complete its investigation into three Bangladeshi nationals arrested for illegally entering India through the Meghalaya border. The accused are reportedly linked to the murder of Bangladeshi activist Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. On June 19, a vacation judge ordered that the three—Rahul alias Faisal Karim Masud, Alamgir Hossain, and Philip Sangma—be placed in judicial custody for three days following their earlier detention by the NIA.

The NIA told the court that it had recently received new records from the West Bengal Police’s Special Task Force and additional documents from the Supreme Court on June 8, which required further analysis and cross-verification with the accused. The defense lawyer opposed the extension, but the court accepted the NIA’s reasoning. The agency had previously interrogated the suspects for several days under its custody.

The case stems from the December 12, 2025 killing of Hadi in Dhaka, which sparked unrest across Bangladesh. Investigators say the suspects fled to India after the murder and were later arrested in March while attempting to return to Bangladesh.

Farmers in Murshidabad district of West Bengal have strongly opposed the state government’s plan to acquire over 500 acres of farmland for the Border Security Force (BSF). The initiative, announced by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to build fencing along a 27-kilometer stretch of the India-Bangladesh border, triggered major protests on May 31 when BSF personnel attempted to mark around 15,000 bighas of land. Farmers blocked roads and clashed with police and BSF officers until authorities verbally assured them that their land would not be seized.

The Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR) investigated the situation and submitted a report to the district administration, calling the land acquisition illegal and unconstitutional under state law. The group alleged that the government was using the pretext of border security to construct detention centers and intimidate farmers by labeling them as “Bangladeshis.” APDR demanded an end to forced deportations and the closure of detention centers in Murshidabad.

APDR leaders warned that if their demands were not met, they would mobilize a larger public movement to protect farmers’ livelihoods and oppose the land acquisition plan.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited West Bengal for the first time since the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power. During a two-day trip beginning Saturday, he attended the West Bengal Day event on June 20, where he discussed issues including partition, the India-Bangladesh border, and illegal infiltration.

Modi stated that there had once been a conspiracy to attach West Bengal to Pakistan, alleging that the Congress party had given up resisting it, while Shyama Prasad Mukherjee had stood firm. He said the people of Bengal have not forgotten the riots and bloodshed in Kolkata and Noakhali, and announced that a large statue would be built in Mukherjee’s honor. Modi also claimed that infiltration occurred under Congress, Left, and Trinamool governments, but that work has now begun to complete the barbed-wire fencing along the border.

West Bengal Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari also spoke at the event, asserting that a government fulfilling Mukherjee’s vision is now in power and will advance development in cooperation with the central government.