The situation in West Bengal’s Murshidabad remains tense following fresh violence linked to protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, leading to multiple casualties and a deepening political blame game between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the latest developments:
Casualties and Clashes
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A father and son were hacked to death by a mob in Jafrabad, a remote village in Murshidabad, on Saturday.
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Separately, a person shot in Samserganj on Friday succumbed to injuries. While the source of the gunfire remains unclear, police officials have suggested the BSF may have been involved, not the state police.
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In total, three deaths have now been confirmed over two days of unrest.
Arrests and Raids
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So far, 118 people have been arrested, and the number is expected to rise as police raids continue across violence-hit districts.
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The police have urged citizens to ignore misinformation on social media and avoid panic or retaliation.
Political Reactions
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Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has made it clear that the Waqf Amendment Act will not be implemented in West Bengal, distancing her state government from the Centre’s move.
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In her appeal for peace, Banerjee urged all communities to remain calm and avoid being provoked for political gain:"Every human life is precious. Do not incite riots for the sake of politics," she said.
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BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari alleged that the violence was not spontaneous but a "premeditated assault on democracy" by extremist elements, calling for:
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A probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
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The deployment of central forces, which was granted by the Calcutta High Court.
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Intervention by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Centre, citing a breakdown in law and order.
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BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar accused the TMC of suppressing communication in the affected areas by suspending internet services, saying this prevented victims from seeking help.
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In response, Trinamool MP Derek O’Brien alleged that the BJP was fanning communal tensions, claiming the passage of the Waqf Bill in Parliament was part of a wider "BJP-RSS playbook" to spark unrest.
Violence Scope and Control Measures
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Violent protests on Friday affected Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly. Demonstrators torched police vans, threw stones at security personnel, and blocked roads.
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In response, the Border Security Force (BSF) has been deployed to assist the state police. Sensitive zones, especially around Jangipur, remain heavily guarded.
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Authorities now claim that the situation is under control.
This incident highlights the highly charged political and communal environment in Bengal, where central legislation can quickly spark large-scale unrest. The involvement of central forces, calls for NIA intervention, and communication blackouts have raised serious questions about governance, civil liberties, and the state-centre dynamic.
