Miscreants vandalised the premises of the Ramakrishna Mission (RKM) in Jalpaiguri district, threatening monks and other employees at gunpoint in the early hours of Sunday.
The attack, allegedly staged by a local land mafia, has sparked a political row with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee trading accusations.
"Around 3 am, approximately ten armed youths stormed the ashram, heading to the first floor where they threatened eight individuals, including senior monks, at gunpoint," an RKM official told PTI. "They vandalised the property, broke CCTV cameras, and locked the main gate before fleeing the scene."
The local police intervened, breaking the locks to rescue the monks and staff left stranded. "The incident stems from a property dispute. Our monks have lodged a complaint at Bhaktinagar police station, naming a local strongman and his associates," the RKM official added.
The police have initiated a probe and assured the ashram of their security. "We have full faith in the police and administration," the official said.
The attack has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing an election rally in Jhargram, accused the ruling TMC of fostering a climate of terror.
"It is shameful that the TMC has taken up the onus of hurting the religious faith of Hindus in Bengal. The CM is threatening the Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Ashram monks," Modi declared.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking at a public meeting in Bankura's Onda, denied the allegations, asserting that she bore no ill will towards the Ramakrishna Mission.
"Why should I be against an institution or insult it? I have spoken about one or two individuals," Banerjee said.
She also praised the Bharat Sevashram Sangha for its public service efforts.
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