West Bengal: Fresh violence erupted in Bhangar in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district on Monday as supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) clashed with police during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Protesters vandalised public property, set multiple police vehicles on fire and injured several personnel during the confrontation.

The clashes broke out when ISF supporters attempted to reach Ramlila Maidan in central Kolkata, where party leader and Bhangar MLA Naushad Siddique was to address an anti-Waqf Act rally. Police intercepted the rallyists near Bhojerhat on Basanti Highway, leading to a standoff that soon escalated into violence.

“Some police vehicles were set on fire by the protesters and a few police personnel were injured when the agitators attacked the law enforcers,” a senior police officer said. Eyewitnesses claimed police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd, resulting in head injuries to at least one ISF supporter.

Following the violence, ISF activists staged a sit-in protest on the highway, causing heavy traffic congestion. A large police force, including senior officers, was deployed to disperse the crowd and restore order.

Siddique calls Act an ‘assault on Constitution’

Addressing the gathering in Kolkata, Naushad Siddique said, “This law is not just an attack on Muslims, it is an assault on the Constitution. We won't accept this Act. The government that supports such laws must go.”

Opposition leaders criticised the police, alleging inaction during the unrest.

Murshidabad stabilises after weekend of deadly violence

In contrast, Murshidabad district—previously an epicentre of Waqf Act-related violence—remained largely peaceful on Monday. Senior Border Security Force (BSF) officials, including Additional Director General (East) Ravi Gandhi, visited affected areas including Suti, Samserganj and Dhulian, where protests over the weekend led to the deaths of three people and injuries to many others.

“We spoke to victims and assured them of their safety and security. We interacted with the locals and our jawans are posted there. The situation is slowly returning to normal,” Gandhi said. He confirmed that meetings had been held with the West Bengal Director General of Police and other senior officers to coordinate increased patrolling in the area.

Police report gradual return to normalcy

Jawed Shamim, Additional Director General (Law and Order), said, “Shops have started to open and people are returning. So far, 19 families have returned to their homes. Both Malda and Murshidabad district administrations are working closely to ensure the safe return of people who had fled.” He also reported that 210 arrests had been made and urged the public not to fall prey to rumours.

Meanwhile, ADG, South Bengal Police, Supratim Sarkar confirmed, “The situation is normal now. Everyone is safe. The CRPF and state police and joint forces are deployed. The DGP of West Bengal police himself was present at the Samsherganj police station.”

BJP leaders demand central intervention

West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar visited a relief camp at a school in Malda, where several Hindu families from Murshidabad had taken shelter after their homes were attacked. “Their homes were torched, property destroyed and they received life threats. One woman has taken refuge here with her four-day-old baby,” Majumdar said.

He claimed that “fundamentalist forces” were behind the violence and accused the state government of attempting to shut down the camp to suppress criticism. “Initially, 200-250 families had taken shelter here. Now, due to police pressure to shut down the camp and cover up Mamata Banerjee's failure, only 70-75 families remain. They are still living in fear,” he added.

Majumdar further demanded the prolonged deployment of CRPF to stabilise the situation and urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to request central assistance. “The situation is very tense and bad. The situation can be improved by keeping the central force here for a long time,” he said.

Opposition seeks President’s rule

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari called for the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections to be held under President’s rule. “Wherever Hindus are in the minority, they are stopped from voting. Police act like cadres of the ruling party. For free and fair elections, the assembly polls must be held under the President's rule,” he told reporters in Kolkata.

CM urges restraint, warns against misuse of religion

In her public address while inaugurating a skywalk near the Kalighat Kali temple, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “Everybody has the democratic right to stage a peaceful protest with permission. I request people not to take the law into their own hands.” She further appealed against the misuse of religion for non-religious activities.

Court orders central force deployment

Following the weekend’s unrest, a special bench of the Calcutta High Court ordered the immediate deployment of central forces in Murshidabad to restore order in the wake of the protests.

With PTI inputs