Murshidabad district in West Bengal witnessed widespread violence and chaos on Friday as protests against the Waqf Act spiraled out of control. What began as a demonstration quickly turned into a major law-and-order situation, with angry mobs torching police vehicles, blocking roads, and pelting stones at security forces. The protests led to injuries to at least 10 police personnel, forcing the administration to heighten security and seek help from the Border Security Force (BSF) to bring the situation under control.

The unrest was reported from multiple locations within the district, particularly in Suti, Jangipur, and Samsara areas. The agitation, led by members of the Muslim community, reportedly erupted soon after Friday prayers, escalating as large groups defied prohibitory orders imposed under Section 144. Demonstrators blocked a major stretch of National Highway-12, particularly from Dakbanglo More in Shamsherganj to Suti Sajur More, leading to a complete halt in vehicular traffic and disrupting normalcy.

According to senior police officials, the protestors resorted to stone-pelting, set fire to public transport buses, and vandalised police vans. The violence intensified when agitators allegedly threw bomb-like substances at law enforcement personnel. In response, the police resorted to lathi-charge and subsequently deployed tear gas shells to disperse the mob and regain control.

Amid the chaos, several police officers took shelter in a nearby mosque to avoid injuries and regroup, while emergency services struggled to reach the area due to the road blockades and ongoing skirmishes. Charred buses and damaged vehicles littered the streets, as visuals from the scene showed the extent of the destruction.

Officials confirmed that at least 10 policemen were injured in the clashes, some of whom required immediate medical attention. Security forces were eventually able to bring the situation under control late Friday night, but tensions remain high in the region, prompting the administration to maintain a heavy security presence, especially in the Jangipur and Suti areas.

The exact reason behind the fresh anger over the Waqf Act is still being investigated, but initial reports suggest community leaders had expressed concerns over the administration of Waqf properties, sparking widespread resentment. Protestors allege that the current provisions of the Act infringe upon their religious and property rights, demanding amendments and clearer regulations on Waqf Board powers and transparency.

Police officials stated that the prohibitory orders were already in place to prevent such gatherings, but protestors ignored the restrictions, choosing to march and demonstrate in large numbers. “The protest turned violent when they began pelting stones and targeted a police van,” a senior officer said, noting that the police tried to engage with the crowd peacefully before being attacked.

The district administration, recognizing the seriousness of the situation, reached out to the BSF for assistance. While local police forces continued to manage the immediate law-and-order situation, paramilitary support was seen as necessary to prevent further escalation, especially with potential threats of the violence spreading to nearby regions.

As of Saturday morning, Murshidabad remains tense but under control, with rapid action forces patrolling sensitive zones. Public transportation in and around the affected areas has been partially restored, though several roads remain cordoned off as a precautionary measure.

The West Bengal government has yet to issue an official statement addressing the incident, but sources suggest that discussions are ongoing at the highest levels to de-escalate community tensions and evaluate the grievances related to the Waqf Act.

The violence in Murshidabad is being seen as a serious flashpoint in the state’s already complex communal and political landscape. Opposition leaders are expected to raise the matter in upcoming legislative sessions, demanding clarity on the Waqf property management policy and steps to prevent such law-and-order breakdowns.

With the Waqf Act protests drawing attention from national media, security experts are now calling for greater engagement between the government and community stakeholders to address misunderstandings and prevent further unrest.

In the coming days, the administration is likely to form an inquiry committee to investigate the incident, assess police response, and ensure accountability for the destruction caused. Meanwhile, the injured police personnel are undergoing treatment, and authorities are closely monitoring social media and local networks to prevent rumour-mongering and misinformation.

The situation in Murshidabad serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of communal harmony and the urgent need for inclusive governance and transparent communication, especially on sensitive legal matters like the Waqf Act.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Aten Papers & Foam.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.