3 killed in Bengal clashes over Waqf Act; HC orders deployment of CAPF-OxBig News Network

At least three persons were killed and scores injured in violent protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Muslim-majority Murshidabad district of West Bengal on Saturday. As many as 118 persons have been arrested so far.

Amidst growing unrest in pockets such as Suti and Samserganj, the Calcutta High Court, acting on a petition filed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, ordered the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel in the affected areas.

A Division Bench, presided over by Justice Soumen Sen, observed that the court “cannot keep its eyes closed” when such situations arise, and stressed the need for providing adequate security to citizens.

The court also directed the Centre and state to submit detailed reports on the situation before the next hearing on April 17. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan held a video conference with the state chief secretary and police chief, and said the Centre was closely monitoring the situation. Mohan asked the state to take adequate measures to ensure normalcy at the earliest. In a bid to pacify the protesters, CM Mamata Banerjee clarified that the law was legislated by the Centre, not her government, and that it “would not be implemented in the state”.

The victims included a man and his son who were found stabbed to death inside their home at Jafrabad in Samserganj. Family members alleged that miscreants looted their home and then fatally attacked the two before fleeing.

In a separate incident, a 21-year-old was shot at during clashes in Suti on Friday and succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. Two factory workers, including a minor boy, sustained bullet injuries while on their way to work in Dhulian, Samserganj. Both are being treated at the Murshidabad Medical College and are reportedly stable.

Prohibitory orders had been imposed in several parts of the district, and Internet services suspended to prevent further escalation.

Additional Director General (Law and Order) Jawed Shamim said 118 persons had been arrested so far. The violence, which erupted over the Act, led to massive disruptions. Protesters torched police vehicles, blocked roads and vandalised railway property.

Act won’t be implemented in state: Mamata

Every human life is precious; do not incite riots for the sake of politics… We do not support the Waqf (Amendment) Act. This law won’t be implemented in our state. Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal CM