Bengal Waqf protests resulted in three fatalities and 150 arrests; the BJP claims Hindus are not safe

The situation in West Bengal's Murshidabad district remains tense but under tighter control following days of communal violence that erupted after Friday prayers, reportedly triggered by anger over the newly-enacted Waqf law. Here's a detailed breakdown of the key developments and concerns:

1. Escalation of Violence and Casualties:

At least three people have died, including a father-son duo (Hargobind and Chandan Das) reportedly hacked to death by a mob, and Izaz Ahmed Sheikh, 17, who succumbed to bullet injuries allegedly sustained during police firing in Suti. Eighteen police officials have also been injured in clashes.

2. Destruction and Displacement:

Visuals from Murshidabad show scenes of arson and looting, especially in Dhulian, Samserganj, and Suti. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed that over 400 Hindus fled Dhulian in fear, taking shelter in nearby Malda district. Locals accused the administration of being completely absent during the peak of the violence on Friday.

3. Political Reactions and Blame Game:

• Suvendu Adhikari and Sukanta Majumdar (BJP) have sharply criticized CM Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of appeasement politics and failing to protect Hindus.

• Mamata Banerjee has appealed for peace, blaming "some political parties" for exploiting religion for political purposes.

4. Legal and Administrative Actions:

• The Calcutta High Court took serious note of the violence, ordering paramilitary deployment in sensitive areas and stating it "cannot turn a blind eye" to the situation.

• Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita remain in force.

• Internet services have been suspended to prevent misinformation.

• A total of 150 people have been arrested as of Sunday, with more arrests expected.

• 300+ BSF personnel and 5 additional central paramilitary companies have been deployed, especially in Suti and Shamsherganj.

• A special task force of 23 officers, including 10 DSPs, has been formed for on-ground coordination.

5. Community Fear and Testimonies:

• Many locals recounted horrific episodes of unchecked mob violence, with no police presence for hours.

• One shopkeeper in Dhulian said his family begged him not to step out, while another resident quoted rioters threatening that “this is just a trailer... the real movie will begin soon.”

6. Expanded Violence and BJP’s Demand:

The High Court acknowledged that the unrest is not confined to Murshidabad, having spread to North 24 Parganas and Hooghly's Champdani. The BJP is demanding central force deployment in those districts as well.

---

Context of the Unrest:

The protests began against the Waqf Act, which has stirred political and communal fault lines in the state. Opposition parties are alleging that the law and state response are being used to polarize communities, while the ruling Trinamool Congress maintains that communal forces are trying to destabilize Bengal.