Murshidabad burns as Waqf Act protests turn deadly; Calcutta HC says ‘can’t stay silent’

Murshidabad protests. (Image: PTI)

Amid widespread violent protests across the state over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged people on Saturday to maintain peace and refrain from any “unrighteous behavior in the name of religion."

The protests against the Waqf Act escalated into violence in various parts of Bengal, particularly in Murshidabad, on Friday. Protesters torched vehicles, clashed with security forces, disrupted road and rail traffic, and left at least 15 policemen injured. Three people have died, and over 138 individuals were arrested in connection with the violence during the protests in Murshidabad district. This prompted the Calcutta High Court to order the deployment of central forces to restore order.

“Every human life is precious; do not incite riots for the sake of politics. Those who instigate riots are harming society," Banerjee stated in a post on X.

She emphasized that the law causing public unrest was enacted by the central government, not her administration, and that inquiries regarding it should be directed to the Centre.

“Furthermore, we will take legal action against those who incite riots. We do not condone any violent activities," Banerjee remarked, as reports of vandalism related to the Waqf protests emerged across the state this week.

Banerjee reaffirmed her position that the amended Waqf Act, passed by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha following intense debate, would not be implemented in West Bengal. She questioned, “So what is the riot about?”

“Some political parties are trying to misuse religion for political gain. Do not give in to their persuasion. I believe that religion signifies humanity, goodwill, civilization, and harmony. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace and harmony," she added.

At least 15 police personnel were injured during clashes with protesters following Friday prayers amid the demonstrations against the Waqf law. Officials reported that 118 individuals have been arrested for their involvement in the violence and vandalism.

West Bengal's Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar, promised stern action against those responsible for acts of “hooliganism" and urged protesters to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

Addressing the law-and-order situation in Murshidabad, he said, “An atmosphere of unrest has been observed in Jangipur since yesterday, and communal disturbances have also occurred. Any kind of hooliganism will not be tolerated. We are tackling the situation with urgency. It is our responsibility to protect human life."

In Jangipur, Murshidabad, violent incidents were reported on Friday as the public staged a massive protest against the Waqf Amendment Act, resulting in several vehicles being torched.

Kumar attributed the violence to the spread of rumors, which led to vandalism and arson involving several government vehicles, buildings—including police outposts and railway offices—and shops.

“No one should spread rumors. Do not pay attention to them. The police will take strict action; do not take the law into your own hands. Section 163 applies in violence-affected areas. Strict action will be taken if any government property is set on fire. We request cooperation from the public; we will not tolerate any kind of violence."

West Bengal BJP President and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar accused Banerjee of supporting the violent protests occurring throughout the state.

“It’s all happening because Mamata Banerjee is encouraging it, as she wants to polarize Muslims to gain votes in the upcoming elections. She is conspiring to divert attention from the issue of teachers losing their jobs. If necessary for the protection of Hindus, the government will have to implement Articles 355 and 356,” said Majumdar.

He added that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is in constant communication with Bengal BJP leaders and is committed to ensuring the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh.

Suvendu Adhikari wrote a letter to Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, appealing for the investigation of the vandalism incidents at several railway stations in the Murshidabad district to be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

“The recent acts of vandalism at multiple railway stations in Murshidabad, carried out by the so-called ‘protesters’ opposing the passage of the Waqf Act, are deliberate acts of destruction. These actions target critical public infrastructure like railway stations, which not only disrupt essential services but also pose a serious threat to public safety and national security,” he stated in his letter on X.

In light of the communal violence reported in Murshidabad, the Union Home Secretary held a video conference with the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to ensure full support for the situation in Bengal.