The situation in Murshidabad’s violence-hit areas of Suti and Jangipur, which witnessed violent protests on Friday over demands to repeal the Waqf (Amendment) Act, was reported to be under control by Saturday morning.
To restore order, the Border Security Force (BSF) was deployed at the request of the district administration. So far, 118 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence.
Local sources reported that a Class VII student, Mosharraf Hossain, was seriously injured during the unrest. He was allegedly shot in the chest while on the street. As his condition worsened, he was shifted to Kolkata on Saturday morning for advanced medical care.
The situation escalated in Jangipur and adjoining areas as clashes erupted between protesters and the police. According to police officials, the unrest intensified after a large group blocked National Highway 12, prompting police intervention. Protesters retaliated by pelting stones, setting police vehicles on fire, and vandalising motorcycles and private vehicles in Shajurmore and Dhulian. In response, police conducted lathi charges and lobbed tear gas shells to disperse the mob.
The Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Farakka was injured during the violence. Security has since been strengthened, with both state police and BSF personnel patrolling sensitive zones.
In another alarming development, a mob attacked the office of local Trinamool Congress MP Khalilur Rahman in Dhulian. The MP, who was nearby at the time, was surrounded and verbally abused before being rescued by police. His office was subsequently vandalised.
Section 144 has been imposed in parts of Murshidabad, and internet services have been suspended to prevent the spread of misinformation. Murshidabad District Magistrate Rajarshi Mitra confirmed that police deployment has been intensified and damage assessment is underway. Train services were also disrupted due to track blockades.
The West Bengal Police has warned of strict action against those spreading rumours, while the BSF stated that its deployment was made following a request from the state government.
Governor CV Ananda Bose issued a stern message condemning the violence. In a video statement, he said, “Some people are taking law and order into their own hands, which is very worrying. However, unrest will not be tolerated. The government is taking very strict action against the miscreants.”
The Governor revealed that he had a confidential conversation with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee upon learning about the likelihood of violence. He also spoke to the Chief Secretary, who assured him that the state administration was taking stern steps to prevent any escalation.
“Bengal deserves peace,” the Governor said, adding, “Protests are acceptable in a democracy, but violence and disruption of public order will not be tolerated.”
Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari criticised the state government, alleging a failure to prevent the violence. He called for the invocation of Article 355 of the Constitution in districts such as Murshidabad, Hooghly, Malda, and Birbhum.
As security forces continue to patrol the region, the administration remains on high alert to prevent further incidents.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday categorically stated that her government would not implement the Narendra Modi-led central government’s newly-enacted Waqf law in the state. Addressing residents of the violence-hit Murshidabad district, Banerjee called for peace and accused political elements of inciting riots for electoral gain.
The Chief Minister’s outreach comes a day after violence erupted in several parts of Murshidabad following Friday prayers, leaving at least 15 police personnel injured. Protesters clashed with security forces and vandalised public property, including police outposts, railway offices, and shops.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Banerjee made her government’s stance on the Waqf law unambiguous.
“We have made our position clear on this matter — we do not support this law. This law will not be implemented in our state. So what is the riot about?” she posted.
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