The Bijon Setu massacre occurs in Calcutta.

On a somber day in April 1982, Kolkata, the vibrant capital of West Bengal, India, was scarred by a horrific incident that came to be known as the Bijon Setu massacre, also referred to as the Ananda Margi Monks killing. This tragic event, occurring on the afternoon of April 30th, involved the brutal killing and subsequent burning of sixteen sadhus and one sadhvi, all adherents of the socio-spiritual organization Ananda Marga. The heinous crime took place at Bijon Setu, a prominent flyover located near the bustling Ballygunge area of the city, leaving a lasting mark on the nation's memory.

What made this tragedy particularly shocking was its audacious execution: the attacks were carried out in broad daylight, in a busy urban setting, where passersby and local residents would have been present. Despite the brazen nature of the crime and the potential for witnesses, the immediate aftermath was characterized by a profound failure of justice, as no arrests were ever made in connection with the killings. This glaring lack of accountability fueled public outrage and led to decades of persistent calls for a thorough and impartial investigation.

For many years, the families of the victims and the Ananda Marga organization tirelessly pursued justice, demanding a formal judicial inquiry into the unsolved murders. Their relentless efforts eventually led to a significant development three decades after the incident. In 2012, a single-member judicial commission was finally constituted to investigate the killings, tasked with unearthing the truth behind the Bijon Setu massacre and addressing the long-standing demand for justice.

The Bijon Setu Massacre: A Closer Look

The Bijon Setu, a crucial elevated road in South Kolkata, connects the Ballygunge area with Gariahat, making it a place of constant activity. The choice of such a public venue for a mass killing underscores the audacity of the perpetrators. The victims, revered sadhus (male ascetics) and a sadhvi (female ascetic), were identifiable by their saffron robes, traditional attire signifying their spiritual devotion within Ananda Marga. Ananda Marga, founded in India in 1955 by Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar (also known as Shri Shri Anandamurti), is a global socio-spiritual organization dedicated to self-realization and social service, propagating a philosophy of "self-realization and service to humanity." Their presence in Kolkata was significant, with many of their monks and followers residing and working in various parts of the city.

The events of April 30, 1982, remain shrouded in controversy and unanswered questions. The victims were reportedly ambushed, attacked with various weapons, and then set ablaze, painting a gruesome picture for those who witnessed or later learned of the incident. The lack of intervention or the inability of authorities to apprehend anyone on the spot or in the days and weeks that followed, despite the high visibility of the crime, continues to be a point of contention and deep public concern. This incident not only highlighted a grave breakdown of law and order but also cast a long shadow over the state’s ability to protect its citizens and deliver justice.

The Long Road to a Judicial Inquiry

The absence of arrests and the perceived lack of a diligent investigation in the immediate aftermath sparked widespread protests and became a symbol of delayed justice. Ananda Marga and various human rights organizations consistently pushed for a high-level inquiry, stressing the importance of accountability for such a horrific act. The three-decade gap between the incident and the formation of the judicial commission in 2012 speaks volumes about the persistent struggle for recognition and justice. While the establishment of the commission brought a glimmer of hope for closure, the public and the victims' families continued to await its findings with keen interest, hoping it would finally shed light on the perpetrators and the circumstances that led to such an egregious act of violence.

FAQs About the Bijon Setu Massacre

What was the Bijon Setu massacre?
The Bijon Setu massacre was a brutal incident on April 30, 1982, in Kolkata, India, where 16 sadhus and one sadhvi belonging to the Ananda Marga organization were killed and their bodies burned.
Where did the incident take place?
It occurred at Bijon Setu, a flyover located near the Ballygunge area of Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Who were the victims?
The victims were 16 sadhus (male ascetics) and one sadhvi (female ascetic), all followers of the Ananda Marga socio-spiritual organization.
What is Ananda Marga?
Ananda Marga is a global socio-spiritual organization founded in India, dedicated to spiritual realization and social service.
Were any arrests made in connection with the massacre?
Despite the attacks being carried out in broad daylight, no arrests were ever made in the immediate aftermath or in the subsequent years following the incident.
Was there any investigation into the killings?
After repeated and prolonged calls for a formal judicial investigation, a single-member judicial commission was finally set up in 2012, three decades after the massacre, to inquire into the killings.
Why is it also called the Ananda Margi Monks killing?
It is also known as the Ananda Margi Monks killing because the victims were sadhus and sadhvis (monks and nuns) who were members of the Ananda Marga organization.