West Bengal: Violence Over Waqf Amendment Act Erupts in Murshidabad; Situation Under Control, 118 Arrested

By  News O Air   Apr 12, 2025

In West Bengal, the situation in violence-affected areas at Suti, Samsherganj, Jalangi, Lalgola and Dhuliyan of Murshidabad district is under control after violence and arson against the Waqf Amendment Act 2025 yesterday.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged people to stay calm and not to indulge in rioting in the name of religion.

She said on her X handle post that people who are indulging in vandalism will be punished. She also stressed that Waqf Amendment Act 2025 will not be implemented in West Bengal.

On the other hand, BJP state president Dr Sukanta Majumdar said central government’s intervention in the violence in the Murshidabad district is necessary. He informed the press that he is in touch with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this matter. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said he has written to the Railway minister Aswini Vaisnaw for NIA investigation for the arson at various railway stations in Murshidabad.

Earlier, the DG of West Bengal Police  Rajeev Kumar has urged the people of the violence torn areas not to believe in rumours and requested all not to take law into their hands. Four rounds of firing by the police have been reported yesterday.

18 police personnel have been injured. Paramilitary forces have been deployed in the affected area and senior police officers are patroling the areas. 118 persons have been arrested in the incident.

Yesterday a large number of people resorted to  hooliganism while protesting against Waqf Amendment Act 2025. Houses, shops, government properties  and police vehicles were torched and damaged.

ADG ( law and order) Javed Shamim said the priority is now to save the life and property of the people of the areas. He said persons involved in the vandalism will not be spared and strict action will be initiated against the miscreants.