By The Sampadak Express
The West Bengal Police have arrested more than 110 individuals in the Murshidabad district following widespread violence during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The unrest, which broke out in the Muslim-dominated region, quickly spread to neighbouring districts including Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly, leading to significant law and order challenges.
According to officials, the protests took a violent turn with incidents of arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades being reported across several locations. In Murshidabad alone, over 110 people were arrested during raids. The worst-hit areas included Suti and Samserganj, from where 70 and 41 arrests were made respectively.“
The situation remains tense, but no fresh incidents have been reported as of Saturday morning,” a senior police officer said, adding that heavy patrolling continues in sensitive areas. Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 and suspended internet services in Murshidabad to prevent further escalation and the spread of misinformation.
Police have urged the public not to pay heed to rumors circulating on social media, emphasizing their commitment to restoring peace and order. “Nobody is allowed to regroup anywhere. We will not allow any attempt to disrupt the law and order situation,” said an official involved in the ground operations.
Teen Injured in Alleged Police Firing
Amid the violence, a teenage boy was reportedly injured during alleged police firing in Suti. The boy was rushed to a hospital in Kolkata for treatment. While the police have not provided further details, the incident has added to tensions in the area.
Political Fallout: BJP Slams Mamata Govt
The violence has triggered a political storm, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launching a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led state government. BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accused the Mamata Banerjee administration of failing to control the situation and demanded intervention from the Centre.
In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Adhikari alleged that the violence was not a spontaneous protest but a “premeditated act of violence” orchestrated by “Jihadist forces” aiming to spread fear and assert dominance. “Public property was destroyed, government officials felt threatened, and an atmosphere of fear and intimidation was created, all under the false guise of dissent. The silence of the Mamata Banerjee Government is deafening,” he wrote.
Background: Controversy Over Waqf (Amendment) Act
The protests were sparked by dissatisfaction over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, with sections of the Muslim community alleging that the changes to the law infringe upon their rights related to religious endowments. The central government, however, maintains that the amendments aim to bring greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of Waqf boards.
As raids continue and tensions simmer, the state government faces mounting pressure to restore normalcy while addressing the concerns of both protesters and opposition leaders.
