Violence broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on April 8, 2025, following a protest against the Waqf Act of 1995. Organized in the Lalbagh area, the rally began as a demonstration against the alleged misuse of waqf properties but escalated quickly after provocative speeches and the circulation of rumours, according to police officials.
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“The speeches delivered during the rally were provocative in nature. That seems to have incited sections of the crowd,” a senior police officer said according to a reputed source.
The unrest led to vandalism, property damage, and heavy police deployment.
Confirmed Developments on Ground
- 22 people arrested in connection with the violence
- Internet services suspended to curb the spread of misinformation
- Section 144 imposed, banning unlawful assembly
- Shops and vehicles vandalized in the conflict
- Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed to control the situation
Timeline of Events
- Morning, April 8: Peaceful anti-Waqf rally held in Lalbagh
- Afternoon: Speeches allegedly provoke unrest
- Evening: Violence erupts, leading to stone pelting and damage to shops
- Night: 22 individuals detained by the police
- April 9: Internet suspended, and Section 144 enforced across sensitive zones
A verified source confirms that viral misinformation played a role in triggering panic.
Political Fallout: BJP vs TMC
The incident swiftly became a flashpoint in Bengal’s political landscape. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of minority appeasement and failing to uphold law and order.
“This is the result of Mamata Banerjee’s Muslim appeasement policy,” said a BJP spokesperson, quoted in a reputed source.
TMC has not released an official response to the BJP’s accusation but sources in the state administration stated that firm action will be taken against all individuals involved, regardless of religious or political affiliations.
The Waqf Act – What Is Being Opposed?
The Waqf Act of 1995 governs religious endowments made by Muslims for religious, educational, or charitable purposes. Protesters and critics of the Act have long raised concerns such as:
- Lack of transparency in land records and ownership
- Unregulated control by Waqf boards over public and private land
- Encroachment controversies, particularly on disputed properties
While these concerns are not unique to Murshidabad, the protest in Lalbagh was reportedly part of a broader sentiment calling for greater accountability and reforms in the law.
Note: Although these criticisms are widely discussed, there are no official court rulings labeling the Act as unconstitutional.
Law Enforcement’s Response
The administration took the following immediate steps:
- Arrested 22 individuals involved in the violence
- Began forensic review of provocative speech recordings
- Deployed RAF and local police units in sensitive areas
- Issued public warnings against spreading rumours
- Enforced internet shutdowns and assembly bans
According to a verified source, security agencies are monitoring the situation closely to prevent recurrence.
Local Impact and Community Reactions
Visuals from the area show charred vehicles, damaged shops, and a heavily patrolled environment. While no direct public statements from local shopkeepers or residents were recorded in the sources, the damage and police response suggest a high level of local distress.
Civil society groups have called for:
- Dialogue-driven resolution of Waqf land disputes
- Protection of public property during protests
- Legal audits of Waqf board decisions
Broader Implications for India
Although confined to Murshidabad for now, this incident may trigger:
- Debate in Parliament over amendments to the Waqf Act
- Legal scrutiny of religious endowment laws across India
- Increased tension in states with large waqf land holdings
The Union Home Ministry is reportedly observing developments. If protests spread or litigation arises, the issue may gain national attention.
Moving Forward
The Murshidabad anti-Waqf protest and subsequent violence underscore a growing tension between religious rights and land ownership concerns in India. As legal and political pressure mounts for reforms, the government must prioritize dialogue, transparency, and strict law enforcement to maintain social order and democratic protest rights.
By – Nikita
