The scenic district of Murshidabad in West Bengal is embroiled in chaos as protests against the Waqf law turn violent. Fumed mobs hurled stones in several neighborhoods, setting fires and halting trains. Many government offices were damaged, and law enforcement officers were targeted. The unrest claimed three lives, injuring 15 police personnel and resulting in over 150 arrests.
Following orders from Calcutta High Court, paramilitary forces have been deployed across Murshidabad's troubled zones to aid in maintaining law and order, ensuring peace is restored swiftly. Authorities urge the public to disregard rumors and misinformation.
The West Bengal Police has appointed 23 special officers from various state units and districts to curb the unrest in Murshidabad.
Among them are 10 DSP-ranked officers, 10 inspectors, and 3 sub-inspectors, all temporarily designated for the next four days to oversee the situation and assist in maintaining order.
Source: aajtak
DGP Arrives in Murshidabad
Late Saturday night, West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar visited the troubled Murshidabad. He convened with senior police officials at Shamsherganj police station, issuing key directives. The DGP then led a late-night route march, assessing the situation's intensity and gathering insights.
Source: aajtak
In a meeting post his tour, senior BSF official Karni Singh Shekhawat emphasized cooperative efforts with state police, sending five additional companies to Murshidabad, with readiness for more deployments if requested.
Source: aajtak
Aside from locally stationed BSF personnel, the West Bengal government's call for reinforcement of five more companies underscores the severity of the crisis.
Source: aajtak
Bengal Boiling
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed over 400 Hindus were forced to flee across the Ganges from Dhulian, Murshidabad, due to religious extremism, seeking refuge as far as the banks of Malda.
Exercising caution on these claims, the leader insists that religious persecution persists in Bengal, accusing the TMC government of empowering radical elements through appeasement politics, disturbing social harmony.
Source: aajtak
In light of this turmoil, central paramilitary forces and state police are urged to ensure the safe return of displaced Hindus and restore peace amidst the unrest.
Source: aajtak
Accountability Sought from Central Government
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee pointed fingers at the central government, stating they enacted the disputed law and thus bear accountability for the unrest, urging citizens to direct their queries to the central authorities.
Source: aajtak
The Chief Minister reiterated that her government does not support the law and it won't apply in her state, questioning the motivations behind the protests.
Source: aajtak
HC Cannot Ignore Reports
Prior to this, the Calcutta High Court acknowledged alarming reports from certain West Bengal districts, emphasizing that it cannot overlook such incidents.
Source: aajtak
Justice Soumen Sen’s bench requested a comprehensive report from the state on the crisis and its damage, instructing central forces to collaborate actively with state agencies.
Source: aajtak
Such interventions show commitment to protecting citizens' safety, standing firm against technical loopholes when public security is at stake.
