More than 110 Arrested After Violence Brakes Out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad During Protest Against Waqf Act

West Bengal Police arrested more than 110 individuals after protests turned violent at Murshidabad over Waqf (Amendment) Act. High tension prevails as the administration imposes restrictions and BJP criticizes the Mamata Banerjee government.

Murshidabad, West Bengal | April 12, 2025 —

Over 110 individuals have been arrested by West Bengal Police in relation to violent protests that erupted in various parts of the Muslim-dominated Murshidabad district over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The protests also broke out in certain areas of Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly districts, with violence including instances of arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades.

Officials added that raids were conducted across these areas, with Murshidabad having the maximum number of arrests. “Around 70 individuals were arrested from Suti and 41 from Samserganj in relation to the violence,” a top police officer informed news agency PTI.

While the situation was charged on Saturday morning, officials witnessed no new incidents. Prohibitory orders have been implemented and internet services have been shut down in Murshidabad in order to keep the situation under control.

“Patrolling along Suti and Samserganj sectors continues. No one is permitted to regroup. Anyone trying to disrupt law and order will face stern action,” a policeman told PTI, appealing people not to be misguided by false rumors going on social media.

During the clashes in Suti, a teenage boy was injured in alleged police firing and has since been admitted to a hospital in Kolkata, police confirmed.

The political fallout from the violence was swift. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government for its handling of the situation. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused the state government of failing to maintain order.

If the Mamata Banerjee government cannot control the situation, it must ask for help from the Centre,” Adhikari tweeted on X (formerly Twitter). “Let it be known that this was not a protest act, but a planned act of violence — an attack on democracy and governance by jihadist forces to spread mayhem and create fear among communities.”

Adhikari went on to charge that government property was vandalized, government officials intimidated, and a climate of fear was generated, all “in the false guise of dissent.” He also criticized the state government for its “deafening silence” over the violence.

Police and administrative officials remain vigilant, with intensified security arrangements to ensure peace in all the affected districts.