Murshidabad violence: 3 killed; Calcutta HC orders deployment of Central forces

Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Saturday, April 12, ordered deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in violence-hit Murshidabad district that has so far claimed three lives.

Clashes erupted during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Around 110 persons have been arrested so far.

Stating that it cannot keep its eyes closed when such situations come up, the Calcutta High Court instructed both the state government and the Centre to submit detailed reports on the situation.

“Citizens must be provided with adequate security and protection to ensure peace and order in the region,” the HC said.

An urgent plea was filed by the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, seeking the deployment of central forces in Murshidabad district. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17.

Three dead in Murshidabad violence

Three people were killed in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district following violent clashes allegedly linked to ongoing protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

A 21-year-old sustained bullet injuries during clashes at Sajur More in Suti on Friday and succumbed to his injuries at the Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital on Saturday evening.

Earlier reports suggest a father and son were found with multiple stab wounds inside their home in Jafrabad, located in the violence-hit Samserganj area. Both victims were found lying inside their home and were declared dead at a nearby hospital. Their family alleged that miscreants looted their house and stabbed the two before leaving.

Murshidabad: A torched vehicle during a protest against Waqf (Amendment) Act, in Murshidabad district on Friday. (PTI Photo)

Over 110 arrested

Over 110 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, police said.

Several vehicles, including police vans, were set on fire, stones were hurled at security forces, and roads were blocked as violence rocked Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts over the new legislation on Friday.

Raids were underway in all these districts, with over 110 arrested in Murshidabad, police said.

“About 70 people were arrested from Suti, and 41 people from Samserganj in connection with the violence,” a police officer said.

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In the worst-hit Murshidabad district, prohibitory orders have been imposed and internet services suspended in places that saw violence, they said.

“Patrolling in Suti and Samserganj areas is going on. Nobody is allowed to regroup anywhere. We will not allow any attempt to disrupt the law and order situation,” an officer said, appealing to the people not to pay heed to “rumours on social media”.

Murshidabad, West Bengal: Violence erupted in Samserganj Assembly constituency over the Waqf Amendment Act, leading to arson, vandalism, and clashes with police. Section 144 was imposed, and BSF deployed due to the border location. Over 122 arrests were made. Protesters torched… pic.twitter.com/Z2N4UTbF77

— IANS (@ians_india) April 12, 2025

The districts that saw violence have significant Muslim populations.

No Waqf Act in Bengal: CM

Meanwhile, chief minister Mamta Banerjee again reaffirmed her previous statement on the Waqf Amendment Act stating that the state would not implement it.

“Remember, we did not make the law over which many are agitated. The law was made by the central government. So the answer you want should be sought from the central government,” the CM said in a post on X.

“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 asked.

সবার কাছে আবেদন

সব ধর্মের সকল মানুষের কাছে আমার একান্ত আবেদন, আপনারা দয়া করে শান্ত থাকুন, সংযত থাকুন। ধর্মের নামে কোনো অ-ধার্মিক আচরণ করবেন না। প্রত্যেক মানুষের প্রাণই মূল্যবান, রাজনীতির স্বার্থে দাঙ্গা লাগাবেন না। দাঙ্গা যারা করছেন তারা সমাজের ক্ষতি করছেন।

মনে রাখবেন, যে…

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 12, 2025

The chief minister urged people to maintain calm and not fall prey to provocation.

“My sincere appeal to people of all religions, please remain calm, remain restrained. Do not engage in any irreligious behaviour in the name of religion. Every human life is precious; do not incite riots for the sake of politics. Those who are inciting riots are harming society,” she said.

“We do not condone any violent activity. Some political parties are trying to misuse religion for political gain. Do not give in to their persuasions. I think religion means humanity, goodwill, civilisation and harmony. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace and harmony,” she said.

On Friday, several vehicles, including police vans, were set on fire, stones were hurled at security forces, and roads were blocked as violence rocked Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts during protests over the Waqf Amendment Act.

Director general of police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar said strong action would be taken against those indulging in violence, and the men in uniform will do everything in their power to protect the lives and properties of innocent citizens. “The unfortunate incident that happened this (Saturday) morning may have been triggered by unsubstantiated rumours being spread from various quarters. I urge the people not to pay heed to such provocations, which are clearly the handiwork of miscreants,” he said.

West Bengal govt is incapable: BJP

The BJP attacked the Mamata Banerjee government, stating that if it was “incapable” of handling the situation, it should seek help from the Centre.

“Let it be known that this was not an act of protest, rather a premeditated act of violence, an assault on Democracy and Governance by Jihadist forces who seek to spread chaos in order to assert their dominance and sow fear amongst other Communities of our Society,” Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said in a post on X.

“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 said.

Adhikari said that those behind the violence must be identified, arrested and prosecuted under the strictest sections of law.

On April 13, twelve more people were arrested in connection with the Murshidabad violence. Click to read more.

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