Waqf Law Fallout: Deadly violence erupts in West Bengal as protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act escalate. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asserts the law won’t be implemented, while the BJP accuses her of inciting the unrest and denies her authority to block the legislation.
BY PC Bureau
Murshidabad, West Bengal: April 12, 2025
Three persons have lost their lives in Murshidabad district following a bout of violent clashes allegedly triggered by ongoing protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The incidents have sent ripples of tension through several areas of the district, prompting a significant police response and political sparring.
The most harrowing incident reportedly occurred in Jafrabad, under the Samsherganj police station jurisdiction, where a father and son were allegedly murdered within the confines of their home on Saturday morning. According to family members, a group of miscreants forcibly entered their residence under the guise of looting. In the ensuing violence, Hargobinda Das, 60, and his son Chandan Das, 45, sustained grievous injuries from hacking and tragically succumbed on their way to the hospital.
Adding to the death toll, a young man who suffered a bullet wound during the unrest also succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, though details surrounding this incident remain scarce.
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In the wake of the violence, law enforcement officials stated that 138 oersons have been apprehended. Authorities are striving to maintain order in the affected regions, including Nimtita, Shamsherganj, Jangipur, Suti, and Jafrabad, where tensions remain palpable. The Railway Police Force (RPF) and Border Security Forces (BSF) have been deployed in these areas, with the news agency IANS reporting that the situation is currently under control.
Amid the escalating unrest, West Bengal police have assured the public of stringent action against those found involved in “hooliganism.” Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar addressed the law and order situation, stating, “An atmosphere of unrest has been seen in Jangipur since yesterday, and communal disturbance has also been observed. Any kind of hooliganism will not be tolerated. We are dealing with the situation very strongly. It is our responsibility to protect human life.”
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday reiterated
Mamata Banerjee is a liar. She was the first to stoke widespread discontent over the Waqf Amendment—even while the JPC and Parliament were still discussing provisions to curb misuse and add safeguards to the new law.
She has actively instigated and sponsored violence,… https://t.co/Bw7B7clgWu pic.twitter.com/yDLfzzjCcD
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) April 12, 2025
her firm stance against the implementation of the Waqf law in West Bengal. Reaching out to the violence-stricken district of Murshidabad, she appealed for peace, questioning the disruption of law and order when the state government’s position is unequivocally clear.
“We have made our position clear on this matter – we do not support this law. This law will not be implemented in our state. So what is the riot about?” Chief Minister Banerjee asserted.
However, the Chief Minister’s appeal for calm and her stance on the Waqf Act have drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Amit Malviya, a prominent BJP leader, labeled Banerjee a “liar,” accusing her of “stoking widespread discontent against the Waqf amendments” and actively instigating violence, particularly after Friday prayers.
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Malviya also vehemently contested Banerjee’s claim that she would not implement the law. “The truth is… no state government has the authority to block a law passed by the Indian Parliament. Mamata Banerjee has no choice but to comply. She bears full responsibility for the communal violence and the tragic loss of life that has followed,” he stated.
Prior to her public address, Chief Minister Banerjee took to social media platform X to urge “people of all religions (to) please remain calm.” In a post written in Bengali, she implored, “Do not engage in irreligious behaviour in the name of religion. Every human life is precious; do not incite riots for politics…”
The clashes and the ensuing political blame game underscore the sensitive nature of the Waqf (Amendment) Act and its potential to ignite social unrest in the state. Authorities are now focused on maintaining peace and investigating the incidents to bring those responsible for the violence to justice.
