Murshidabad (West Bengal), April 13 (ANI): In the aftermath of violent protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, the West Bengal Police have arrested 150 individuals in connection with the unrest that rocked Murshidabad district, officials confirmed on Sunday.
According to police, adequate forces have been deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other sensitive areas to prevent further escalation. Law and order are being closely monitored.
Calcutta High Court Orders Immediate Central Force Deployment
The arrests come a day after a special bench of the Calcutta High Court ordered the immediate deployment of central paramilitary forces in the district following widespread violence that claimed three lives. The violence stemmed from public outrage over the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
The court also directed both the state and central governments to submit detailed reports on the situation. The matter will be taken up again for hearing on April 17.
Political and Legal Reactions
Advocate Anish Mukherjee, representing Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, filed a PIL demanding central force deployment and an NIA probe into the violence.
“We have been witnessing widespread violence throughout West Bengal, especially Murshidabad,” Mukherjee stated.
Heightened Tensions Across State
Tensions were also high in Jangipur, where public property was damaged. Protests were recorded in Siliguri, Kolkata, and other regions, with students from Aliah University joining demonstrations.
On Friday, Governor CV Ananda Bose urged the Mamata Banerjee government to act strictly against those responsible for the violence in Amtala, Suti, Dhuliyan, and North 24 Parganas.
Background on Waqf (Amendment) Act
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on April 2 and 3, and later received Presidential assent on April 5, officially becoming law. The BJP has announced a “Waqf Reforms Awareness Campaign” from April 20 to May 5 to educate the Muslim community on the Act’s provisions and benefits.
Meanwhile, protests by various groups continue, demanding the repeal of the Act, citing concerns over its implications.
Further updates are expected as the situation evolves.
(ANI)
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