Communal tensions flared up in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district earlier this month, leading to days of violence, displacement, and political uproar. Internet services were restored on Friday in the strife-hit areas of Samsherganj and Suti, following a police assessment that deemed the situation stable enough to lift the digital blackout.
The violence has left a trail of destruction, displacement, and deepened communal tension in the region. Several areas, including Saju More, Bedbona, and Dak Bungalow More, bore the brunt of mob attacks. In response, Bengal Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has registered over 30 fresh FIRs after speaking with local residents affected by the unrest.
Here’s a detailed look at what has unfolded so far.
Clashes and casualties
The violence began on 11 April during protests against the Centre’s amendment to the Waqf Act. Demonstrations spiralled into violent clashes across parts of Murshidabad, with mob attacks reported in areas such as Saju More, Bedbona, and Dak Bungalow More.
At least three people lost their lives, several others were injured, and numerous homes, shops, and religious structures were reportedly set on fire or vandalised.
Internet restored, situation 'under control'
On Friday (19 April), authorities restored internet services in Samsherganj and Suti, key areas affected by the violence, following a police assessment that deemed the situation to have sufficiently stabilised.
According to Ananda Roy, Superintendent of Police in Jangipur, normalcy has largely been restored.
“Since 12 April, no fresh incidents of violence have been reported. We have registered 122 cases and arrested 272 individuals so far,” he told ANI.
Fresh FIRs and ongoing investigations
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Bengal Police has filed over 30 fresh FIRs after speaking to residents from the worst-hit areas. The SIT continues to collect testimonies and evidence to track those involved in inciting and carrying out the violence.
Mamata Banerjee urges calm, accuses BJP-RSS of fueling divisive politics
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed for peace and unity in the state following the recent communal violence in Murshidabad, which left three people dead, including a father and son.
In an open letter issued on Saturday, Banerjee accused the BJP and its ideological ally, the RSS, of exploiting the unrest for political gain. She said certain groups were using the “backdrop of an unfortunate incident” to stir communal tensions and divide communities ahead of elections.
“The BJP and its allies, including the RSS, have suddenly become aggressive in West Bengal. They are trying to incite riots for narrow political motives,” Banerjee said.
Calling for communal harmony, she stressed the importance of solidarity between majority and minority communities. “Let us not fall into the trap of mistrust. We must remain united and reject hatred.”
Banerjee also outlined the state’s response to the violence, noting that two police officers-in-charge had been removed and that further action was underway. “Law enforcement is acting swiftly. The criminals behind the violence are being dealt with strongly.”
NHRC, NCW teams and Bengal Governor visit Murshidabad riot victims
Governor meets grieving families, calls for lasting peace
Governor C.V. Ananda Bose visited the residence of Harogobindo Das and his son Chandan in Jafrabad, Shamsherganj—both killed in the violence. Meeting their family members, he assured them of all possible support and said their demand for permanent BSF outposts in the area would be taken up with appropriate authorities.
"I will look into your requests, There are three to four suggestions. They have asked for permanent BSF outposts in the locality as they were concerned about their security. I will take up the matter with the appropriate authorities. Some proactive action will definitely be taken. I have also shared with them the 'Peace Room' number (Raj Bhavan helpline)," Bose told reporters after visiting their residence.
Later in Dhulian Bazar and Betbona, the Governor interacted with other affected locals, who echoed calls for justice, peace, and lasting security.
Later, after speaking to locals in Dhulian Bazar area, Bose said, "I have asked them (the victims) to feel free to talk to me. They want justice, and they will get justice. I am with the people of Bengal. The situation is under control, but the emotional scars remain. I will work within the Constitution and take up these concerns personally,” he said.
"After the central forces have come, the state forces are now acting in unison, and the situation is under control, but the scars left by this event on the affected parties remain. The feelings of people are suffering. That needs to be addressed. I will certainly be in communication with the chief minister, the Government of India and all authorities who are involved in that and will give feedback to the people also. It's my duty to report to the authorities about what I see in the field and my observations about it," he asserted.
At one point, after a group of villagers blocked the road in Betbona demanding to speak with him, Bose returned to the area and pacified them, engaging in a discussion to hear their concerns directly.
On Friday, ahead of the Murshidabad visit, the Governor had also met riot-displaced persons sheltered in a relief camp in Malda. Speaking to media, he described the violence as "barbaric," stressing, “This should never happen again. People need to know they are protected.”
NCW Chief: “Pain of women victims beyond imagination”
A delegation from the National Commission for Women, led by chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, also visited Murshidabad to meet with women affected by the violence. The victims shared accounts of fear and trauma, demanding increased security and the establishment of permanent BSF camps in their areas. Some also called for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe.
“I am dumbfounded by the agony these women have suffered. What they went through is beyond imagination,” Rahatkar said, assuring them that the Centre was aware of their plight and would take appropriate steps.
Several women held placards reading: “We don’t want Lakshmir Bhandar, we want BSF camp. We want security.”
Rahatkar added, “There is no cause for worry. The Centre is with you, and we are here to ensure that justice is done.”
Political reactions
Tensions continue to mount in West Bengal following communal violence in Murshidabad, as political leaders and organisations escalate demands for accountability and central intervention.
BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul on Friday described the events in Murshidabad as an “eye-opener,” alleging communal targeting of Sanatani families.
“Is this Syria, Afghanistan or Pakistan?... Jihadis are burning houses, shops, temples. We need an NIA probe. The people deserve to know what happened and what role the Chief Minister played.”
Paul has called for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) inquiry into the violence, accusing the state government of failing to protect minority Hindu communities.
VHP stages nationwide protests against government
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) held protests across several cities in India condemning the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government following the communal violence in Murshidabad on 11 April. The unrest erupted during demonstrations against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, resulting in three deaths, multiple injuries, and the displacement of several families.
In Siliguri, police halted a VHP protest march demanding the Chief Minister’s resignation and a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe. Similar protests were reported in Jaipur, Noida, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Jammu, and several cities across Uttar Pradesh.
Laxman Bansal, President of VHP's North Bengal region, said, "The violence took place under the cognisance of the state government. VHP will send a petition to the President to enforce the President's rule in West Bengal. We are also demanding an NIA investigation. The Hindus have no role in passing the Waqf Amendment bill. Even then, radical Muslim elements are selectively targeting Hindu houses, and this is being done in front of the police administration. Those who have created these riots should be made to pay for rehabilitating the victims."
In Jaipur, BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya joined a VHP protest and said, "People have voted Mamata Banerjee to power, and Hindus are being targeted. Traders are being looted. Hindus are leaving their places. Mamata Banerjee should resign from her post. President's rule should be imposed in West Bengal."
VHP leaders accused the state government of complicity, with national spokesperson Vinod Bansal calling for the imposition of President’s rule and action against officials allegedly involved. Protesters also claimed that Hindu families were selectively targeted during the violence and called for rehabilitation support for victims.
Suvendu Adhikari leads ‘Hindu Bachao Rally’ in Kolkata
West Bengal Leader of the Opposition and BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari led a ‘Hindu Bachao Rally’ in Kolkata on Saturday, protesting against the recent communal violence in Murshidabad. The rally, from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's house to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee's residence, aimed to highlight what Adhikari called the “dire” situation for Hindus in the state.
"Hindus have fled their homes in Murshidabad. The situation is horrible," Adhikari said, urging action to ensure their safety.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, who visited the affected areas, condemned the violence as “barbaric” and called for permanent BSF camps to restore confidence among locals.
A delegation from the National Commission for Women (NCW), led by Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, also visited Murshidabad, vowing to submit a report to the Centre. Rahatkar described the victims’ suffering as “inhuman” and promised to convey their demands to the government.
The violence erupted on 11 April during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, resulting in two deaths, multiple injuries, and the displacement of families. Clashes spread to Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly, with many victims now sheltering in relief camps or migrating to Jharkhand.
Kerala BJP Chief urges Muslims not to be misled over Waqf Act, slams Mamata and Congress
Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar has criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Congress, accusing them of spreading “poison” and “propaganda” about the Waqf (Amendment) Act. He appealed to the Muslim community not to be misled by misinformation surrounding the legislation.
Speaking to ANI, Chandrasekhar described the Act as a pro-poor and pro-Muslim measure, aimed at enhancing transparency in the functioning of Waqf Boards. “This Bill does not violate the rights of any Muslim citizen. It is about aligning Waqf governance with the Constitution and ensuring that poor Muslims, especially women, benefit,” he said.
He further accused Banerjee and the Congress of engaging in divisive politics, stating, “They are filling people’s minds with lies and trying to divide communities. This is a continuation of the Congress’ politics, which Mamata Banerjee has adopted.”
Chandrasekhar’s remarks come amid rising tensions in parts of West Bengal following protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which recently triggered violence in the Murshidabad district.
What now?
The violence has displaced numerous families, some of whom have migrated to neighbouring Pakur district in Jharkhand, while others have sought refuge in temporary relief camps set up in Malda.
The situation on the ground appears to be stabilising, but tensions remain high. With over 270 arrests and multiple investigations underway, officials are urging calm and promising justice for victims of the violence.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Published: 20 Apr 2025, 10:11 am IST
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