Ronny Sen reports for the BBC that Puchu, a nine-year-old boy, unknowingly struck a bomb disguised as a ball, causing a deadly explosion. This incident is just one of at least 565 cases over the last three decades in West Bengal, India, where children have been injured or killed by homemade bombs. These devices are often used in the state’s political violence, with many Bengali children becoming unintended victims.
The tragic event involving Puchu and his friends in Kolkata’s Jodhpur Park neighborhood highlights the devastating impact of these bombs on innocent lives. The children found what they thought were cricket balls in a garden, only to discover they were explosives. The resulting explosion left two boys dead and four others injured, including Puchu, who had to undergo extensive medical treatment due to his injuries.
The use of crude bombs in West Bengal dates back to the early 1900s, rooted in the region’s history of rebellion against British rule. These bombs, known locally as “peto,” are typically made with jute strings and filled with shrapnel-like materials such as nails, nuts, and glass. They have been used by various political parties and rebel groups in the state to intimidate opponents, especially during elections.
Despite the high number of child casualties linked to these bombs, there are no official figures available, prompting the BBC to conduct its own investigation. The data collected from newspaper reports revealed a disturbing trend of children being harmed by these devices, with incidents occurring every 18 days on average. The true extent of the casualties is likely higher, as some incidents may have gone unreported.
The history of bomb-making and violence in West Bengal underscores the ongoing challenges facing the region, where political conflicts have often turned deadly for innocent civilians, especially children. Through detailed reporting and analysis, the BBC sheds light on the tragic consequences of these homemade bombs and the urgent need for greater awareness and action to protect vulnerable populations from such senseless violence. Ronny Sen, reporting for the BBC, revealed that crude bombs are primarily used in violent clashes between rival political parties. These bombs are commonly used by political activists, especially in rural areas, to intimidate opponents, disrupt voting stations, or retaliate against perceived enemies. They are frequently deployed during elections to sabotage polling booths and assert control over certain areas.
Poulami Halder, a young girl, discovered one of these bombs while innocently picking flowers, mistaking it for a ball. The bomb exploded in her hand, causing severe injuries and forever changing her life. Similarly, Sabina Khatun, another victim, had a bomb explode in her hand while playing with it, resulting in the amputation of her hand and ongoing struggles with daily tasks.
Despite the devastating impact of these crude bombs, the violence shows no signs of stopping in West Bengal. While no political party admits to using these bombs for political gain, experts believe that the culture of political violence in the region is the root cause of this tragedy. Children like Poulami and Sabina, who have learned to adapt to their disabilities, continue to dream of a better future despite the challenges they face. Ronny Sen para la BBC Ningún niño debe ser dañado de esta manera de nuevo.
‘Mira lo que le han hecho a mi hijo’
Pero la tragedia continúa.
En mayo de este año en el distrito de Hooghly, tres niños jugando cerca de un estanque tropezaron sin saberlo con un almacén de bombas. La explosión mató a Raj Biswas, nueve años, y dejó a su amigo mutilado, sin un brazo. El otro niño escapó con fracturas en la pierna.
“Mira lo que le han hecho a mi hijo”, sollozaba el padre afligido de Raj mientras acariciaba la frente de su hijo muerto.
Mientras el cuerpo de Raj era bajado a la tumba, consignas políticas crepitaban en el aire desde un mitin electoral cercano: “¡Viva Bengala!” coreaba la multitud, “¡Viva Bengala!”
Era época de elecciones. Y una vez más, los niños estaban pagando el precio.
“