Father-Son Duo Killed, Death Toll Rises to 3 as Anti-Waqf Bill Protests Turn Deadly In Murshidabad
Tensions flared in Murshidabad on Saturday as violent demonstrations over the Waqf (Amendment) Act spiraled out of control. Two victims, a father and son from Jafrabad, were attacked with machetes during a home invasion, while another youth died from a gunshot wound sustained earlier in the unrest.
The victims—identified as Hargobinda Das, 60, and Chandan Das, 45—were allegedly attacked by a group of miscreants who stormed their home early Saturday. The family said the assailants looted their residence before fatally assaulting them. Both succumbed to their injuries en route to the hospital.
The third casualty was a young man who had been shot amid the ongoing clashes and died later due to his injuries.
The West Bengal Police have arrested 138 individuals in connection with the violence. Security has been intensified across vulnerable areas including Nimtita, Shamsherganj, Jangipur, Suti, and Jafrabad. Railway Police Force (RPF) and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel remain deployed.
DGP Rajeev Kumar warned that “any kind of hooliganism will not be tolerated,” adding, “We are dealing with the situation very strongly. It is our responsibility to protect human life.” He also urged people not to believe or spread rumors.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has maintained that the Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in West Bengal. In a social media post, she appealed for calm and restraint, urging citizens not to fall prey to political provocations.
“Every human life is precious. Do not incite riots for the sake of politics,” she said. “Those who are inciting riots are harming the society. Remember, we did not make the law… it was made by the central government.”
Banerjee also warned of legal consequences for those engaging in violence and accused certain political parties of trying to exploit religion for electoral gains.
The unrest stems from growing opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, passed recently by the central government. Critics allege that the law undermines land rights and property protections, sparking protests across parts of West Bengal.
Earlier incidents of vandalism had already rattled the region, with public offices and railway stations being targeted in Murshidabad.
While the situation is reportedly under control for now, the state government faces pressure to ensure long-term peace in affected regions. Police continue to monitor sensitive areas, and further arrests are expected. Meanwhile, opposition parties are demanding accountability from both the state and central governments.
