Latest Updates
Waqf Act Protests Turn Violent in Murshidabad; Prohibitory Orders Imposed, Internet Suspended
Violence erupted in Murshidabad, West Bengal, on Tuesday as protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act turned violent. A large crowd had assembled to voice their opposition to the newly passed legislation, but the situation quickly spiralled out of control when clashes broke out between protesters and police.
In response to the unrest, authorities imposed a 48-hour curfew under Section 163 of the BNS in the areas of Raghunathganj and Suti, starting from 6 pm on Tuesday. Additionally, internet services were suspended in the Jangipur subdivision to prevent the spread of rumours and misinformation.
The protests turned chaotic after police attempted to disperse the demonstrators who were blocking a major road in the region. The protesters allegedly responded by throwing stones and setting police vehicles on fire. The violence unfolded along NH-12 in the Jangipur area.
Several vehicles were torched, and a police vehicle was vandalised by the angry demonstrators. The situation led to significant disruptions in the region.
In a statement on X, the West Bengal Police confirmed that the "unruly mob has been dispersed" and that traffic had returned to normal. The police also vowed to take "strict action" against those responsible for the violence. "Legal action will also be initiated against rumour-mongers trying to spread misinformation. We request all not to heed rumours and keep calm," the post added.
BJP leader Amit Malviya strongly condemned the Mamata Banerjee-led government's handling of the situation in Murshidabad. He accused the West Bengal Police of struggling to control the "violent Islamist mob" and claimed that the unrest could have been orchestrated under instructions from the Chief Minister herself. "Her inflammatory speeches have directly contributed to the current unrest," Malviya said.
Malviya accused Mamata Banerjee of appeasing the Muslim community at the expense of communal harmony. "Mamata Banerjee’s spineless brand of Muslim appeasement is dragging Bengal dangerously close to the path of Bangladesh," he added.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, was passed by both Houses of Parliament last week after extensive debates. The bill received assent from President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, officially coming into effect on Tuesday, April 8.
