In a disturbing escalation of civil unrest, large-scale protests have engulfed parts of West Bengal—especially Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly—following the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 passed by the Indian Parliament. What began as demonstrations from the Muslim community against perceived encroachments on religious and constitutional rights has spiraled into violence, arson, fatalities, injuries, and a law-and-order breakdown in multiple districts.
Timeline of Events
- April 8, 2025 (Tuesday)
Initial protests broke out in Umarpur (Jangipur subdivision of Murshidabad), where hundreds blocked roads and vandalized public property. A police vehicle was torched. Tensions escalated as videos of the act circulated online. -
April 9, 2025 (Wednesday)
Protests intensified in Suti and Samserganj. Stone-pelting injured police officers; over two dozen protesters were arrested. The administration deployed riot control teams.
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April 10-11, 2025 (Thursday-Friday)
The situation worsened in Murshidabad and Malda. In Malda, demonstrators blocked railway lines between Dhulian Ganga and Nimtita stations, halting dozens of trains. Police officers took refuge in a mosque after facing violent mobs. In Murshidabad, a father and son were brutally killed, allegedly by a vigilante mob. Vehicles and shops were torched. - April 12, 2025 (Saturday)
Death toll confirmed at 3; over 110 people arrested. Section 144 was imposed in critical areas. Internet services suspended in Murshidabad and Malda to curb the spread of misinformation.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025: Why the Protest?
The Act has drawn fierce opposition from Muslim groups, clerics, and secular activists, for the following reasons:
- Dilution of Autonomy: By allowing non-Muslim members in Waqf boards, the Act undermines the independent management of Muslim religious endowments.
- Removal of ‘Waqf by User’ Clause: This affects the ability of recent converts or undocumented communities to dedicate land for religious causes.
- Disempowerment of Waqf Boards: Authority now lies with district collectors instead of Waqf boards to settle land disputes.
- Reinstatement of the Limitation Act: It opens doors to reclaim long-held Waqf lands by non-Muslim encroachers.
Muslim leaders claim the Act is a direct attack on Islamic religious rights and that it will lead to large-scale dispossession of Waqf properties.
Who Are the Protesters?
The protests were led primarily by:
- Local Muslim community members, including youth, traders, and religious leaders.
- Students from madrasas and Islamic colleges.
- Supporters of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, who oppose the Act nationally.
- Small but vocal participation from left-leaning secular groups in solidarity.
According to police, several radicalized fringe groups may have infiltrated otherwise peaceful demonstrations to incite violence.
Political Reactions
Trinamool Congress (TMC)
- Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, rejected the implementation of the Act, calling it “an unnecessary interference in religious matters”.
- In a public address, she said:
“This is BJP’s communal politics. Bengal won’t follow a law that threatens our harmony. We will not allow our minorities to be humiliated.”
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition:“This violence is pre-planned. Mamata Banerjee has allowed jihadi elements to take Bengal hostage. Law must take its course.”
- Sukanta Majumdar, State BJP President:“This is not protest, this is anarchy. Hindus are living in fear. The government is encouraging radical groups just for vote-bank politics.”
Majumdar accused the state government of inaction and alleged that the administration was attempting to create a “Bangladesh-like situation” by threatening Hindus.
Police & Security Forces’ Involvement
- West Bengal Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed.
- Over 110 arrests made, including those suspected of vandalism and arson.
- Police Commissioner (Murshidabad) said:
“Our officers have shown maximum restraint despite provocation. We’re identifying culprits using CCTV and drone surveillance.”
- BSF (Border Security Force) was placed on standby due to proximity to the Bangladesh border.
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Internet shutdowns were implemented in Murshidabad, Malda, and parts of Hooghly, effective until further notice.
Casualties and Injuries
- 3 confirmed deaths, including:
- Sirajul Haq (45) and his 18-year-old son Raqibul Haq—reportedly lynched by a mob suspecting them of being informants.
- A 17-year-old protester died of head trauma (unclear if from police lathi charge or stone injury).
- Injuries:
- At least 10 police personnel injured in stone pelting.
- Dozens of civilians hospitalized in Jangipur, Dhulian, and Baharampur hospitals.
- Properties Damaged:
- At least 14 vehicles, including police jeeps and public buses, torched.
- Several shops looted and burnt in Murshidabad’s Samserganj market area.
- Railway tracks and station offices damaged in Malda and Farakka regions.
Current Status and Outlook
- Tension Prevails: Police patrols intensified. District officials visiting villages to restore trust.
- Dialogue Initiated: Mamata Banerjee has invited Muslim scholars and opposition leaders for all-party talks to de-escalate tensions.
- Legal Actions: FIRs filed against over 200 unidentified persons.
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Investigations Ongoing: Police investigating whether extremist groups or political miscreants instigated the violence.
Publication Date: April 13, 2025
Reports published in various newspapers on this issue:
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India Today: 3 killed, 138 arrested in Bengal Waqf protests, BJP says Hindus not safe
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Hindustan Times: Central forces in Bengal as violent protests over Waqf turn ‘grave and volatile’
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NDTV: BJP Slaps Down Mamata Banerjee’s Appeal As 3 Die In Waqf Law Protests
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Times of India: At least 3 deaths reported in Waqf-related violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district
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Wikipedia: Murshidabad violence
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