Murshidabad: Violent clashes broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on Friday during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leading to the deaths of three individuals, including a father and son. Officials confirmed that more than 150 people have been detained in connection with the violence.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday appealed for peace and condemned violence in the name of religion. She reiterated that the state government would not enforce the controversial Waqf law and urged people not to be provoked.
State police officials said that unrest began following protests that escalated dramatically by Friday evening. According to Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Jawed Shamim, police were forced to open fire to disperse violent mobs after initial crowd-control measures failed. At least 15 police personnel sustained injuries during the chaos.
In a grim development, 72-year-old Hargobindo Das and his 40-year-old son Chandan Das were fatally attacked by a mob in the Samserganj area. Another victim, 17-year-old Aizaz Ahmed Shaikh, reportedly died from gunshot wounds.
The Calcutta High Court, acting on a petition by Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari, directed the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in affected areas, calling the situation “critical” and stating that it could not remain indifferent to the deteriorating law and order.
The Union Home Ministry also intervened, holding a virtual meeting with top West Bengal officials to assess the situation. Additional personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF) were dispatched to assist in restoring order.
Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar assured firm action against those involved in the violence. “We will not tolerate lawlessness. Police used minimum force, but if anyone challenges the law, strict action will follow,” he said in a press briefing.
Several public properties were damaged during the unrest, including the home of TMC MLA Manirul Islam and the office of local MP Khalilur Rehman. Islam said that he was heckled by agitators while trying to calm the crowd.
Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders in parts of Murshidabad and suspended internet services. Protesters also disrupted train services by blocking railway tracks.
In a social media post, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for communal harmony and condemned political attempts to incite violence. She emphasized that the Central government introduced the Waqf law and urged people to raise their concerns with the Centre rather than resort to violence.