The Calcutta High Court on Saturday directed the deployment of Central paramilitary forces in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district following recent incidents of violence. The decision comes in response to escalating tensions and aims to restore law and order in the affected areas.
Security Tightened in Murshidabad Amid Protests Over Waqf (Amendment) Act
Murshidabad, West Bengal | April 12, 2025
Security personnel were deployed and kept a close vigil in various parts of Murshidabad district on Saturday, following widespread protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Authorities have heightened surveillance and taken precautionary measures to ensure law and order in the region as tensions continue to simmer.
Kolkata, April 13:
Fresh protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act turned violent in West Bengal’s district on Saturday, leading to the deaths of three individuals in the Samserganj block. Authorities confirmed that 118 people have been arrested so far in connection with the ongoing unrest.
While the police denied opening fire during the incident, they claimed that the fatalities were the result of firing by the Border Security Force (BSF)—an assertion the BSF has strongly refuted.
The unrest, which began on Friday, has gripped the Muslim-majority district, sparking widespread tension and clashes. Amid the chaos, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the issue, distancing the state government from the controversial legislation.
“This law was made by the central government, not by us,” Banerjee said in a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “Those who are protesting should seek answers from the Centre. Let me assure everyone that the Act will not be implemented in West Bengal.”
As the situation remains tense, security has been intensified in the region, with additional forces deployed to maintain law and order.
Murshidabad, West Bengal – Violent clashes broke out at Sujarmore crossing under the Suti police station as agitators blocked National Highway 12, prompting a strong response from law enforcement. According to Jawed Shamim, Additional Director General (Law and Order), “We had to baton charge and use tear gas shells. But the mob began vandalizing and setting fire to public property and buses. When the police were attacked, we had to resort to firing.”
Prohibitory orders under Section 144 and an internet shutdown remained in effect across several areas of Murshidabad district. The violence also reached the residence of local TMC MLA Manirul Islam. “The mob pelted stones and ransacked my house. I was not at home at the time. When I tried to speak to the agitators, I was heckled,” Islam stated.
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has written to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw demanding a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the destruction of railway property. “This was not a protest but a premeditated act of violence—a direct assault on democracy and governance by Jihadist forces,” he alleged.
Taking note of the unrest, the Calcutta High Court on Saturday ordered the deployment of Central forces in Murshidabad to assist the state administration in restoring peace and law and order.
Meanwhile, similar unrest was reported in Tripura’s Unakoti district, where a protest against the Waqf Act turned violent. According to officials, six to seven police personnel sustained minor injuries during the clashes.
Authorities in both states remain on high alert as efforts continue to bring the situation under control.
West Bengal:Tensions Escalate in Murshidabad as Political Parties Trade Blame
Murshidabad remains on edge as political tensions flare, with rival parties accusing each other of inciting unrest. The situation has triggered a war of words, deepening the divide ahead of upcoming political events. Authorities are closely monitoring developments to prevent further escalation.
Murshidabad, West Bengal, remains tense after violence over the Waqf Act led to three deaths and 155 arrests. Paramilitary forces deployed; BJP calls for action.
Murshidabad district in West Bengal remained largely peaceful yet under a cloud of tension on Sunday, following recent unrest triggered by protests against the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act. The situation comes a day after three individuals lost their lives and dozens—including police personnel—were injured in the violence. In response to the escalating tension, the central government deployed 17 companies of paramilitary forces across the district to maintain law and order. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as residents grapple with fear and uncertainty in the wake of the protests.
SAMSERGANJ – Speaking to reporters in one of the worst-affected regions of Murshidabad district, the Director General of West Bengal Police, Rajeev Kumar, confirmed that the situation in Samserganj is now “fully under control.”
The district witnessed intense violence on Friday, particularly in the Suti and Samserganj areas, where large mobs reportedly attacked residential homes, torched vehicles, and hurled stones at security personnel. The unrest broke out in this Muslim-majority district located near the Bangladesh border, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
So far, police have arrested 155 individuals in connection with the large-scale disturbances. Authorities are continuing their investigation and have assured that strong action will be taken against all those involved.
BJP Lok Sabha MP from Purulia, Jyotirmay Singh Mahato, wrote to Union home minister Amit Shah asking five districts be declared “disturbed area” under Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958.
Read Also
Pawan Kalyan’s Wife Shaves Head at Tirumala Temple in Fulfillment of Vow 2025