Murshidabad Unrest: Arrests Climb to 150; Prohibitory Orders in Place, Security Beefed Up

Twelve more people have been arrested in connection with violent clashes that stemmed out of anti Waqf Act protests in Bengal's Murshidabad. The total number of arrests has now reached 150, according to police officials.

West Bengal’s Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar, arrived in Samserganj on Saturday night to assess the situation. He held a meeting with senior officers to review law enforcement measures and plan further actions.

According to reports, no fresh incidents of unrest have been reported from the district. Security forces continue to maintain a strict watch over the situation.The areas of Suti, Dhulian, Samserganj, and Jangipur remain calm. Authorities carried out overnight raids in several localities, leading to the latest round of arrests.

Prohibitory orders have been enforced in the violence-affected zones under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Additionally, internet services have been suspended to prevent the spread of misinformation.

Security personnel are closely monitoring main thoroughfares, conducting vehicle checks, and patrolling areas deemed sensitive.

The unrest began on Thursday, during which several vehicles, including police vans, were torched. Protesters hurled stones at law enforcement and blocked roads, resulting in widespread disruption across multiple parts of the state, particularly in Murshidabad. Sporadic flare-ups continued into Saturday.

At least three people lost their lives. The bodies of a father and son were discovered at their residence in Jafrabad, located in the Samserganj area. Both had sustained multiple stab wounds and were identified as Harogobindo Das and Chandan Das. Meanwhile, a 21-year-old man, Ijaz Momin, succumbed to bullet injuries on Saturday after being caught in Friday’s clashes at Sajur More in Suti. At least 18 police officers sustained injuries during the violence.​