Over 110 people have been arrested in connection with the recent violence in Murshidabad and other districts in West Bengal. The unrest broke out during a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, mainly in Muslim-majority areas.
The situation turned violent on Friday, when protestors in Murshidabad, Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly districts set vehicles, including police vans, on fire. They also threw stones at security forces and blocked roads.
According to the police, 70 people were arrested from Suti and 41 from Samserganj, both in Murshidabad. Police operations are still ongoing in these areas, and more arrests are expected.
To control the situation, the internet has been suspended in affected parts of Murshidabad, and strict orders have been put in place to stop gatherings. The police are patrolling the streets, especially in Suti and Samserganj, to prevent further violence.
A teenage boy injured in police firing in Suti has been shifted to a hospital in Kolkata for treatment.
Officials said the situation was still tense on Saturday morning, but no new incidents were reported. They urged people not to believe or share rumours on social media.
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The BJP criticized the West Bengal government, saying they have failed to maintain law and order. Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition, accused the government of staying silent during the violence.
He called the incident a “planned attack on democracy” and blamed “extremist forces” for creating fear and disturbing peace. He demanded that all those involved in the Murshidabad violence over Waqf Act be punished strictly under the law.
