In the annals of the most gruesome and darkest chapters in the history of political violence in West Bengal, the 1970 grisly Sainbari massacre holds a special place. It is a grim reminder of the cruelty humans can inflict upon each other. The incident involved the brutal assassination of two brothers, Pranab, and Moloy Sain, active supporters of the Congress party, by local members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in the Bardhaman district, also known as Burdwan which proudly bears the title of the ‘rice bowl’ or the ‘granary’ of West Bengal.
It remains one of the most horrific and soul-wrenching massacres in Indian history: the tragic moment when the two Sain brothers were brutally slain before their mother’s tearful gaze. In the dreadful aftermath, the defenseless mother was mercilessly compelled to swallow rice soaked in the blood of her sons.
History came full circle in Bengal after the tumultuous March 17, 1970, gruesome event. On that ill-fated day, fierce rivalry between the Congress and CPM culminated in a brutal homicide known as the ‘Sainbari’ incident. Fifty-four years later, the once-mighty political adversaries have become mere shadows of their past selves, now bound by a fragile alliance aimed at mutual survival. Beguilingly, a new political force now dominates the landscape, altering old dynamics.
In Bengal’s shifting political sands, history has cycled back to its ominous beginnings in the 1970s. The erstwhile adversaries, the Congress and the CPM, now find themselves entwined in an alliance of political necessity, mere specters of their once formidable presences. Amidst this backdrop, the ghostly legacy of the Sainbari tragedy haunts the landscape anew.
From ashes of despair to the horrific costs of political strife, the Sainbari massacre is an unthinkable reality of cruel shadow and broken political morals where a family was devastated due to politically motivated butchery.
The ghost of Sainbari, however, continues to haunt the political scene in Bengal. In June 2021, a CPM member of the Rajya Sabha, Bikash Bhattacharya, stirred controversy by posting an invitation to a ‘Martyrs’ Day’ event commemorating the incident. This sparked a sharp response from Congress, which accused the CPM of revisiting wounds for which many still hold them responsible. Bhattacharya defended the invitation, asserting it portrayed the truth of the events at Sainbari and emphasizing that their alliance was forged with an eye to the future, not the past.
The Sainbari incident, a dark chapter in the annals of Indian democracy, occurred when a mob, allegedly led by a former CPIM minister, stormed a residence, igniting it and executing one of the most grievous acts of political violence recorded. This act shook Bengal and indelibly marked the nation’s psyche.
Historically, Bengal has been a fertile ground for political strife, notably as the cradle of the Naxal movement. Over the decades, it has witnessed a litany of brutal acts, but none so vile as the Sainbari murders. On that fateful day, the Sain family, stalwarts of the Congress, faced retribution for their political allegiance. What began as a day of celebration turned into a harrowing nightmare.
BENGAL IN THE LATE 1960S: A HOTBED OF POLITICAL TURBULENCE
The late 1960s were turbulent times for West Bengal. The rise of Naxalism and the intense rivalry between the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Congress (R) fueled an atmosphere charged with tension and fear. The Sain family, known supporters of the Congress party, found themselves amidst increasing threats from local CPI(M) supporters. Their involvement in local politics and resistance to changing their allegiance made them a marked target.
As political alliances shift and the specter of past atrocities lingers, the narrative of the Sain family today serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of political expediency. The tale of their suffering underlines the harsh truths of a democracy where political gains often overshadow the needs and rights of the most vulnerable. In this light, the Sainbari incident questions the integrity of political leadership and challenges the moral foundations of those who lead.
Over the years, the atrocities committed during this period have showcased the depths of human cruelty, with the Sainbari murders standing out for their sheer brutality. What was meant to be a celebratory day for a family, marked by a naming ceremony, turned into a horrific scene of murder and mayhem that has left a lasting scar on the community.
“The Sainbari incident remains a chilling testament to the depths of human cruelty and the brutal reality of political strife. The savagery peaked when the assailants, not content with the mere murder of two brothers from our family, committed an act of such unimaginable horror that their grieving mother was forced to consume rice soaked in the blood of her slain sons”
Rekha Rani, the 75-year-old daughter-in-law of the Sain family
SPINE-CHILLING TIMELINE OF SAINBARI HORROR: THE MACABRE RED TERROR
In 1970, the Sain Parivar, an illustrious family in Bardhaman, staunchly supported the Congress party despite repeated threats to align with the Communists. Their unwavering stance led to their downfall. Ironically, a day meant for celebration turned tragic. On the morning of March 17, a naming ceremony for a newborn in the family was scheduled, but events took a dark turn. Allegedly led by former CPM minister Nirupam Sen and party leaders Benoy Konar, Anil Basu, Amal Halder, Rajat Bandyopadhyay, and Durgashib Roy violently attacked the family’s home. They set the house ablaze and committed a heinous crime that marked one of the darkest moments in Indian political history. Pranab Kumar Sain and Malay Kumar Sain, two brothers in the family, were brutally murdered in front of their mother. It was incredibly heinous, demonic, devilish, and perhaps the goriest murder in Indian history.
According to reports, the accused Konar, Basu, Sen, Halder, Bandyopadhyay, and Roy allegedly hacked Pranab and Malay to death, and the blood was smeared on the face of their mother because the family had refused to switch over to the Marxist party from the Congress. The violence did not spare others. Jitendra Nath Rai, a private tutor visiting to teach the children, was also killed. Afterward, in a grotesque act, the mother was compelled to chew through rice laced with her sons’ blood. The sheer brutality of the incident left an indelible mark on the entire Sain community.
Rekha Rani, a 75-year-old daughter-in-law of the family, vividly recalled the ordeal in an interview with a leading national daily. She described the horror of witnessing the murders of her brothers-in-law and the tutor at just 26 years old. The attackers not only pelted the house with stones but eventually set it on fire.
In her recount, Rani mentioned how her mother-in-law attempted to intervene but was struck on the head. The assailants then forced her to eat the bloodied rice, an image that remains a poignant symbol of the tragedy. Though she survived and was hospitalized, the trauma persisted.
She said: “It was a dark chapter of Indian political history. The Sainbari incident today stands out as a horrific testament to the depths of human cruelty and the brutal reality of political conflicts. On that fateful day, political rivalry took a brutal turn when members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) launched a savage attack on our family, known for their support of the opposing Congress Party. The brutality reached its peak when the attackers, not satisfied with merely killing two brothers of our family, committed an act so gruesome that it shook the conscience of the nation even decades later. In a perverse display of power and terror, they forced the bereaved mother to consume rice soaked in the blood of her slain sons. This act, a chilling violation of all norms of humanity and decency, was meant to serve as a beastly reminder of the consequences of political dissent.”
The repercussions of the Sainbari tragedy resonate far beyond the immediate pain and horror inflicted on one family. It serves as a grim symbol of how deeply violence can infiltrate the roots of society, eroding trust and compassion under the heavy weight of political strife. Such incidents challenge democratic ethos, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and the reinforcement of lawful conduct irrespective of political allegiance.
Other horrific acts that day included gouging out Rekha Rani’s husband’s eyes and pouring acid into them. In another heinous act, a child was nearly thrown into a fire but was rescued by family members.
The repercussions of that day continued as subsequent murders followed, including the death of Rekha Rani’s husband a year later. An NSUI activist, Gunamoni Roy, who witnessed the massacre, was also found slaughtered after testifying before a commission investigating the events.
Decades later, the main perpetrator has passed away, and the Communist rule has ended. However, the survivors of the Sain family still live in the shadow of that day’s horrors, a testament to the long-lasting impact of such violence on individuals and communities.
The Sainbari incident is not widely known, yet it encapsulates the extreme violence that can emerge from political rivalry. The continued suffering of the family, overlooked during periods of political convenience, reflects a broader issue of neglect and opportunism in politics. Despite alliances and changes in leadership, the victims and their families have struggled with recognition and justice.
This narrative underscores the ongoing political violence under different administrations, with new victims and continuing injustices, suggesting a cycle of violence and retribution that mirrors some of the worst aspects of governance. This situation challenges the integrity of democracy in the region, highlighting a lack of accountability and the moral failings of political leaders who have often prioritized partisan gain over justice and reconciliation.
The Sainbari murders, an emblem of the excesses of democracy, should serve as a cautionary tale. Yet, the lessons appear unheeded as political violence persists, underscoring the urgent need for a deeper examination of these issues by current and future leaders to prevent such tragedies from repeating.
In addressing the historical legacy of the Sainbari incident, it is vital to revisit the judicial responses and administrative actions taken in the aftermath. On April 28, 1970, the government of West Bengal established a Commission of Inquiry, led by retired Justice T.P. Mukherji, to thoroughly investigate the tragic Sainbari murders. Just a few months later, on July 27, 1970, the Mukherji Commission presented its findings, and the government officially released the report on July 25, 1972, ensuring that the details of this sad event were accessible to all for reflection and understanding. However, the Commission’s findings led to little action against the individuals involved, reflecting a troubling pattern of impunity.
Critics argue that the Mukherji Commission’s report was ineffectual in holding key figures accountable, as those found guilty of dereliction of duty continued to advance in their careers. This lack of consequences highlights a systemic issue within the governance structures of the time, which were heavily influenced by political pressures and alignments. The narrative that emerged from the Commission did little to challenge the status quo or prevent future abuses of power.
The Sainbari Murder case remains a harrowing example of justice denied. The communist activists implicated in this brutal act not only escaped punishment but also ascended to influential roles as ministers and Members of Parliament under the Left-Front government. Their unchecked rise to power starkly contrasts with the gravity of their alleged crimes. Prominent CPI(M) figures, including Benoy Konar, Anil Basu, Nirupam Sen, and Amal Halder, were directly associated with the Sainbari murder, yet accountability remains elusive.
The Sainbari massacre, a tragic and overlooked chapter in history, remains absent from our history textbooks—Sanghamitra Chaudhury, a seasoned filmmaker and current BJP Mohila Morcha leader, questions this glaring omission. “Why do we memorialize events like Jallianwala Bagh, the Battle of Panipat, and the Battle of Buxar in our textbooks, yet disregard the Battle of Marichjhapi, where 15,000 lives were lost in a single horrific night?” she asks emotionally.
During a press conference at the 52nd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panaji, Goa, held in November 2021, Chaudhury, the visionary director of the film ‘Sainbari to Sandeshkhali,’ posed a profound and stirring question. Her film illuminated these long-overlooked stories, compelling us to reconsider the fragments of history we choose to remember.
Today, as Bengal grapples with political violence, the lessons of Sainbari remain painfully relevant. The state’s current political climate is a testament to the enduring challenges of fostering a peaceful and just society in the face of deep-seated political divisions. The repeated failures to address the root causes of political violence have allowed such tragedies to recur, underscoring the need for comprehensive legal and political reforms.
The reformation of Bengal’s political landscape requires a commitment to transparency, accountability, and a rejection of violence and retaliation. Educating the public about the state’s tumultuous history, including incidents like Sainbari, is crucial for building a foundation for peace. Engaging in open dialogues, establishing truth and reconciliation processes, and enforcing strict penalties for political violence could significantly alter the state’s future.
Moreover, addressing the cultural and social underpinnings that allow such violence to increase is essential. This involves challenging the normalization of violence in political contests and promoting a political culture that values democratic principles over partisan victories. Only through a sustained and concerted effort can the cycle of violence be broken, ensuring that the horrors of the past do not dictate the possibilities of the future.
Meanwhile, 54 years have passed, yet the deep wounds and trauma suffered by the Sain family linger painfully, unresolved, and ever-present in their lives. Today, the Sainbari murder incident stands as a stark testament to the dreadful horrors that can occur, leaving scars that not even time can erase.
