Murshidabad: West Bengal’s Murshidabad district continues to simmer under tension following a series of violent protests against the Centre’s Waqf (Amendment) Act. The unrest, which has persisted for several days, has led to the deaths of at least three individuals and forced hundreds of Hindu families to flee their homes in fear.
According to police sources, a father and son were killed by a mob in the remote village of Jafrabad in Shamsherganj, while a third victim—a young man—reportedly died from a gunshot wound. The affected areas include Suti, Dhulian, Samserganj, and Jangipur, where prohibitory orders under Section 144 have been imposed.
So far, over 150 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, and the West Bengal Police claim the situation is now under control. However, large parts of the district remain volatile, particularly after the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of central paramilitary forces on Friday to restore order.
The order came during an emergency hearing on a court holiday after Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari filed a public interest litigation (PIL), urging central intervention in light of the communal unrest.
Dramatic visuals have emerged from Dhulian Ferry Ghat, showing large groups of Hindu families—women, children, and the elderly—crossing the river by boat to seek refuge in neighbouring Malda district. Many have reportedly taken temporary shelter at Parlalpur High School in the Baisnabnagar area.
More than 400 Hindus from Dhulian, Murshidabad driven by fear of religiously driven bigots were forced to flee across the river & take shelter at Par Lalpur High School, Deonapur-Sovapur GP, Baisnabnagar, Malda.
Religious persecution in Bengal is real.
Appeasement politics of… pic.twitter.com/gZFuanOT4N
— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) April 13, 2025
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari shared the videos on social media platform X, claiming that over 400 Hindus were driven out of Dhulian by what he called “religiously driven bigots.” He accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of encouraging radicalism through appeasement politics.
More than 400 Hindus from Dhulian, Murshidabad driven by fear of religiously driven bigots were forced to flee across the river & take shelter at Par Lalpur High School, Deonapur-Sovapur GP, Baisnabnagar, Malda.
Religious persecution in Bengal is real.
Appeasement politics of… pic.twitter.com/gZFuanOT4N
— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) April 13, 2025
“Religious persecution in Bengal is real. Hindus are being hunted. Our people are running for their lives in their own land,” Adhikari stated.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed for peace, condemning the violence and blaming “anti-social elements” for the unrest. She clarified that her party does not support the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which was passed by Parliament and implemented by the Centre.
Governor CV Ananda Bose also voiced concern, welcoming the High Court’s decision to bring in central forces. “I’m glad that the High Court has stepped in at the right time,” he said.
The violence was triggered on April 8 when clashes broke out during protests in Murshidabad. Demonstrators reportedly hurled stones at police and set their vehicles on fire. Similar protests had earlier erupted in Kolkata and other regions.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act aims to revise regulations related to the administration and governance of Waqf properties, but critics argue that it has sparked religious and political tensions in sensitive areas.
With Assembly elections looming next year, the unrest poses a significant political challenge for Chief Minister Banerjee, who is eyeing a fourth consecutive term in office.
