Murshidabad, a historic town in West Bengal steeped in the legacy of Mughal Nawabs, became the epicenter of communal violence in April 2025, shattering its tranquil coexistence. Sparked by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, the unrest in this Muslim-majority district claimed lives, displaced hundreds, and exposed deep-seated tensions. As the nation grapples with the aftermath, the stories of victims, the response of authorities, and the resilience of communities demand reflection on the path to healing and justice.
In This Article:
The Spark of Violence
The unrest began in early April 2025, following demonstrations against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which critics argued threatened property rights and religious institutions. While Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured that the Act would not be enforced in West Bengal, protests in Murshidabad’s Dhulian, Suti, and Shamsherganj areas escalated. Initially peaceful, the rallies turned violent after April 8, with clashes in Jangipur involving stone-pelting and the torching of police vehicles. On April 11, the violence peaked, with mobs blocking National Highway 12, attacking an MP’s office, and disrupting train services at Nimtita station. Social media rumors and WhatsApp mobilization fueled the chaos, creating a “perfect storm” of unrest.
The Human Toll
The violence claimed three lives, including Hargobind Das (72) and his son Chandan Das (40), brutally killed by a mob in Dhulian, and 17-year-old Izaz Ahmed Sheikh, who succumbed to bullet injuries from police firing in Suti. Over ten others were injured, and more than 400 people, primarily from Hindu Dalit communities, fled across the Bhagirathi River to seek shelter in Malda’s Parlalpur High School. Victims like Saptami Mondol, clutching her newborn, and Tulorani Mondol, whose home was burned, expressed fear of returning without permanent security. Reports of Hindu homes marked with black ink for targeted attacks added a chilling dimension, with shops, temples, and even an ambulance vandalized.
The Response
The West Bengal government acted swiftly, deploying additional police and suspending internet services to curb misinformation. The Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of six Border Security Force (BSF) companies, with over 221 arrests and 60 FIRs lodged by mid-April. Mamata Banerjee condemned the violence, urging calm and reiterating her stance against the Waqf Act, while accusing political rivals of inciting riots. The BJP, led by Suvendu Adhikari, criticized the state’s handling, alleging “appeasement politics” and claiming 400 Hindus were forced to flee. The Communist Party demanded a judicial inquiry, reflecting public distrust in the administration.
The Impact
Murshidabad’s violence disrupted its social fabric and economy. Shops remained shuttered, and public activity was subdued even during Poila Baisakh celebrations. The displacement of families to Malda highlighted the scale of fear, with victims like Hriday Das recounting mob attacks on Dalit homes. The unrest also reignited debates on communalism, with some drawing parallels to historical schisms. For a town once a cosmopolitan hub under the Nawabs, the riots were a stark reminder of how divisive narratives can fracture harmony.
The Murshidabad violence of 2025 is a tragic chapter, marked by loss, fear, and division. The deaths of Hargobind, Chandan, and Izaz, the plight of displaced families, and the scars on Murshidabad’s soul call for more than political rhetoric. As security forces restore order and communities seek to rebuild, the focus must shift to dialogue, accountability, and addressing root causes. Murshidabad’s history of resilience—evident in its cultural legacy and the courage of those aiding victims—offers hope. Let this be a turning point where justice prevails, and the town’s diverse heart beats stronger, united against the specter of violence.
-By Manoj H
