Calcutta High Court Orders Central Forces in West Bengal After Waqf Act Protests Turn Deadly
Kolkata, 12th April 2025: Amid escalating violence over protests against the Waqf Act, the Calcutta High Court has directed the deployment of central security forces in sensitive areas of West Bengal. The order was issued in response to a petition filed by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.
Fresh violence erupted in Murshidabad district on Saturday, where a mob brutally lynched a father and son—identified as Hargovind Das and Chandan Das—who were known for crafting Hindu idols. Another person sustained a bullet injury but is reported to be out of danger. The incident occurred in Dhuliyan, under the Shamsherganj block.
This marks the third death in the region since tensions flared on April 10. A person injured during the April 11 clashes in Dhuliyan succumbed to injuries today. Authorities have shut down internet services in affected regions to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent further unrest.
Addressing the media, ADG (Law and Order) Javed Shamim stated, “Details of today’s incident are still being verified. There is no indication that the police opened fire; it might have been the BSF. However, this is preliminary information. The injured person is stable.” So far, 118 people have been arrested in connection with the violence.
On April 11, violent protests spread across at least four districts, including Murshidabad, Malda, and South 24 Parganas. Demonstrators reportedly torched vehicles, pelted stones at police, and hurled crude bombs in several locations, including Sajur Crossing under the Suiti police station. Ten policemen were injured in the clashes.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday appealed for calm. “The Waqf law has been enacted by the Centre and will not be implemented in West Bengal. If you have questions, seek answers from the Centre. I urge everyone to maintain peace. Life is precious—don’t incite violence for political gain,” she said.
Governor CV Anand Bose also took cognizance of the deteriorating situation. In a video message released by Raj Bhavan, he emphasized, “Public order cannot be compromised. No one can be allowed to disrupt peace in the name of protest. Strict action will be taken against those trying to take the law into their own hands.” The Governor has spoken with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and asked the state administration to act firmly in Murshidabad, Malda, and South 24 Parganas.
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accused the state government of failing to maintain law and order. “Radical elements are freely indulging in violence and defying the Constitution. The common man is unsafe,” he said.
Meanwhile, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced that its ‘Waqf Bachao Abhiyan’ will continue for 87 days, concluding on July 7. The campaign aims to gather one crore signatures opposing the Waqf Act, which will be submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Future protest strategies will be announced after this phase.
