KKN Gurugram Desk | The recent enactment of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, has ignited widespread unrest in West Bengal, particularly in the districts of Murshidabad and South 24 Parganas. Protests that began as peaceful demonstrations have escalated into violent confrontations, drawing parallels to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests of 2019. This report delves into the origins, developments, and implications of the ongoing turmoil.​

Background: The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, introduced significant changes to the management and oversight of Waqf properties across India. Critics argue that the amendments infringe upon religious freedoms and minority rights, leading to widespread concerns, particularly among Muslim communities. In West Bengal, which has a substantial Muslim population, the Act was met with strong opposition. Various groups organized protests to express their dissatisfaction. Despite assurances from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that the Act would not be enforced in West Bengal, demonstrations intensified, particularly in Murshidabad district.​

Murshidabad: The Epicenter of Violence

Murshidabad, a district with a significant Muslim population, became the focal point of the protests. On April 8, 2025, demonstrators blocked National Highway 12 at Umarpur, disrupting traffic and setting police vehicles on fire. The situation deteriorated further on April 11 when demonstrators vandalized public and private vehicles, attacked the office of local Member of Parliament Khalilur Rahaman, and set a police jeep ablaze. Train services were disrupted as protesters squatted on railway tracks and pelted stones at a stationary train at Nimtita railway station. ​

On April 12, a violent mob attack resulted in the deaths of two members of the same family, Hargobind Das and his son Chandan Das, when their residence was targeted. A 17-year-old, minor Izaz Ahmed Sheikh, also died after being shot during the unrest. The violence resulted in a total of three fatalities and injuries to more than ten individuals. Over 200 people were arrested in connection with the unrest. Authorities imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in affected areas, restricting public gatherings, and internet services were suspended to prevent the spread of rumors. ​

South 24 Parganas: Violence Spills Over

The unrest soon spread to South 24 Parganas, particularly in the Bhangar area. Protests turned violent as demonstrators clashed with police, leading to injuries on both sides. Police vehicles were torched, and several officers were injured in the confrontations. The violence in Bhangar was reminiscent of previous protests in the area, where land acquisition issues had previously led to similar unrest. ​

Intelligence Reports: A Pattern Emerges

Intelligence agencies have noted that the pattern of violence mirrors that of the CAA protests in 2019. Encrypted messaging platforms like Telegram, Signal, and WhatsApp have been used to coordinate protests, assign responsibilities, and share real-time instructions. These platforms facilitated coordinated attacks on police stations and other government establishments. Protesters employed tactics such as stone-pelting, use of petrol bombs, and targeting of infrastructure to incite communal tensions and attract media attention. ​

Political Reactions: A Divided Response

The violence has elicited varied responses from political leaders:​

• Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee: She condemned the violence and appealed for peace across all communities. Banerjee clarified that the state government would not implement the newly-enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, describing it as legislation brought by the central government, and questioned the need for protests in the state. She urged people of all religions to remain calm and refrain from engaging in any unrighteous behavior in the name of religion. Banerjee warned against political parties allegedly trying to incite riots for political gain and assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the violence. ​

• Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari: He described the violence as a “premeditated act” by extremist elements. Adhikari stated that the events did not constitute a protest but were instead an attack on democratic institutions and governance, allegedly carried out by jihadist forces aiming to instill fear and disorder. He called for strict legal action against those responsible for the destruction of public property and for issuing threats to government officials. ​

• BJP State President Sukanta Majumdar: Majumdar alleged that the state government, under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was failing to take appropriate action during the violence in Murshidabad linked to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. He accused the police of inaction, claiming they remained silent under the Chief Minister’s directives. Majumdar further alleged that Banerjee was “trying to create a Bangladesh-like situation by threatening Hindus.” He added that the party was in touch with central authorities and that the Union Home Minister had been informed of the developments. ​

In response to the escalating violence, the Calcutta High Court directed the deployment of central forces, including units of the Border Security Force (BSF), to assist in maintaining law and order.