By The Sampadak Express
The situation in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district remains tense but under control following violent protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Police have confirmed the arrest of 12 more individuals in connection with the unrest, bringing the total number of arrests to 150.
The violence, which erupted on Friday, has so far claimed three lives, including a father and son who were found stabbed to death in Jafrabad, Samserganj, and a 21-year-old man shot during clashes in Suti. At least 18 policemen were also injured during the riots, which saw vehicles—including police vans—torched, roads blocked, and stones pelted at security forces.
Key Developments:
Fresh Arrests: A senior police official confirmed that raids continued overnight in Suti, Dhuliyan, Samserganj, and Jangipur, leading to the arrest of 12 more accused. Authorities said the situation in these areas is now peaceful.
Central Forces Deployed: Following a directive from the Calcutta High Court, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed in Murshidabad. The court emphasized that deployment should not be limited to Murshidabad and must be extended to other violence-hit districts as needed.
BJP Demands AFSPA: BJP MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding that select border districts in Bengal be declared “disturbed areas” under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), citing repeated communal attacks on Hindus.
President’s Rule Demanded: Locals affected by the unrest have called for the imposition of President’s Rule, expressing frustration over ongoing “chaos and hooliganism.”
State Government Criticized: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat blamed the Mamata Banerjee-led state government for allegedly turning a blind eye to communal violence, accusing it of vote-bank appeasement. He linked the current situation to the era of Bengal Partition.
Prohibitory Orders, Internet Shutdown: In response to the violence, authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and suspended internet services in affected areas.
Wider Spread of Violence: Apart from Murshidabad, violent incidents were also reported in Amtala (South 24 Parganas), North 24 Parganas, and Champdani (Hooghly).
Security forces continue to maintain strict vigilance, with vehicle checks and area patrolling intensified. Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and more arrests are expected in the coming days.
