‘Can’t keep eyes closed’: Calcutta HC orders CAPF in Murshidabad after Waqf Act protest violence

At least three people have been killed and over 100 arrested in the violence-hit areas, including Suti, Dhuliyan, and Samserganj.

In response to spiralling violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, the Calcutta High Court on Saturday ordered the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to restore law and order in the region. The unrest is reportedly linked to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

A special division bench comprising Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury, constituted by the Chief Justice to address the matter on an urgent basis, passed the order after hearing a plea filed by Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly.

At least three people have been killed and over 100 arrested in the violence-hit areas, including Suti, Dhuliyan, and Samserganj. The bench, while emphasising the importance of safeguarding citizens, said it “cannot keep its eyes closed when such situations come up.”

Seven companies of the Border Security Force (BSF) have already been deployed, the state government informed the court. However, Adhikari’s counsel alleged that the central forces were not being used effectively on the ground.

The High Court directed that the CAPF deployment be carried out in coordination with the state administration and instructed both the Centre and the West Bengal government to submit detailed reports on the prevailing situation.

The matter is scheduled to be taken up again on April 17.

(With inputs from PTI)