In April 2025, the Murshidabad district of West Bengal witnessed a series of violent incidents that resulted in the loss of lives, injuries, and significant property damage. The unrest, rooted in protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, escalated into communal clashes, drawing national attention and sparking political debates.
In This Article:
Background: The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, introduced significant changes to the administration of Waqf properties across India. Critics argued that the amendments infringed upon religious freedoms and minority rights. In West Bengal, which has a substantial Muslim population, the Act was met with strong opposition. Despite assurances from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that the Act would not be enforced in the state, demonstrations intensified, particularly in Murshidabad district.
Timeline of Events
- April 8, 2025: Protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act began in Murshidabad, with demonstrators blocking National Highway 12 and setting police vehicles on fire.
- April 11-12, 2025: The situation escalated as mobs vandalized public and private vehicles, attacked the office of local Member of Parliament Khalilur Rahaman, and disrupted train services at Nimtita railway station. On April 12, a violent mob attack resulted in the deaths of two members of the same family, Hargobind Das and his son Chandan Das, when their residence was targeted.
- April 13, 2025: Authorities imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in affected areas, restricting public gatherings. Internet services were suspended to prevent the spread of rumors.
- April 14, 2025: The Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of central forces, including units of the Border Security Force (BSF), to assist in maintaining law and order.
Casualties and Damage
The violence resulted in:
- Fatalities: At least three individuals lost their lives during the clashes.
- Injuries: Over ten people sustained injuries.
- Displacement: More than 400 residents, including women and children, were displaced and sought shelter in neighboring Malda district.
- Property Damage: Numerous homes, shops, and religious structures were reportedly set on fire or vandalized.
Investigations and Findings
A fact-finding committee appointed by the Calcutta High Court submitted its report on the Murshidabad violence. Key findings include:
- Police Inaction: The report highlighted the absence and inactivity of the police during the incidents, particularly in Dhulian on April 11.
- Political Involvement: The committee named local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mehboob Alam as directing the attacks. The report also mentioned the presence of a TMC MLA at the scene, who allegedly witnessed the vandalism and left without intervening.
- Administrative Failures: The report pointed to significant lapses by local authorities in preventing and controlling the violence.
Political Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Modi condemned the violence, accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government of failing to protect its citizens. He alleged that the state government’s inaction was part of a broader pattern of appeasement politics.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
Chief Minister Banerjee denied these allegations, suggesting that the violence was instigated by outsiders and that the BJP was trying to create unrest before the upcoming elections. She reiterated that the Waqf (Amendment) Act would not be implemented in West Bengal.
Broader Implications
The Murshidabad violence has raised concerns about communal harmony and governance in West Bengal. The incident has become a focal point in political discourse, with parties leveraging it to advance their narratives ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Moving Forward
The April 2025 violence in Murshidabad underscores the challenges of maintaining communal harmony in a diverse society. It highlights the need for proactive governance, effective law enforcement, and responsible political discourse to prevent such incidents in the future.
By – Nikita
