Attempted Arson at Murshidabad Puja Pandal Raises Serious Security Questions Ahead Of Durga Puja 2026

The Nakurtala Sarbojonin Puja Committee pandal in the Lalbagh area of Murshidabad under West Bengal was targeted by one or more unidentified arsonists on 4th October, an apparent arson attack that could have had far more devastating consequences had the flames gone unnoticed.

According to the puja committee, an unusual and seemingly deliberate mechanism was used by the respoonsible arsonist(s). A Mortein mosquito-repellent coil was tied to a matchbox with wire and positioned close to the pandal’s combustible cloth. The arrangement allegedly created a delayed ignition mechanism, which would have eventually allowed the fire to spread through the structure.

The attack was thwarted when local residents and club members noticed smoke. They acted quickly, extinguishing the fire before it could engulf the pandal or cause casualties. Police and fire-service personnel subsequently reached the site and a case has been registered. Authorities are investigating the circumstances and any possible conspiracy behind the incident.

Speaking to News18 Bangla, a senior puja committee member described the incident as a serious offence and urged authorities to investigate whether extremist or Islamist elements could have been involved.

The swift response of residents and committee members may have prevented a tragedy. The investigation must now establish who was responsible, how the attack was planned and whether it was part of a wider conspiracy.