Protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act escalated into widespread violence across parts of West Bengal on Friday, leaving at least 10 police personnel injured and causing massive disruptions to road and rail transport. The agitation saw protestors torching vehicles, clashing with law enforcement, and blocking major transportation routes in districts like Murshidabad, Malda, and South 24 Parganas.
Widespread Violence in Murshidabad and Beyond
The unrest began in Murshidabad’s Suti area, where protestors gathered in defiance of prohibitory orders after Friday prayers. Demonstrators hurled stones at police, set police vehicles and buses on fire, and blocked a long stretch of National Highway-12 from Dakbanglo More in Shamsherganj to Sutir Sajur More. Clashes erupted after a police van was attacked, leaving at least 10 policemen injured, according to a senior officer.
As violence intensified, officials said police used lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Some officers reportedly took refuge in a nearby mosque during the escalation. Bomb-like objects were allegedly hurled at the police, prompting the deployment of Border Security Force (BSF) personnel. Authorities later confirmed that the situation had been brought under control and raids were underway to arrest those responsible.
Train Services Disrupted, Protests Expand to Other Districts
The protests had a cascading effect on train operations, especially on the New Farakka-Azimganj section of the Eastern Railway. Around 5,000 protesters blocked the tracks at a level crossing and damaged another railway gate between Dhuliandanga and Nimtita stations, halting services for over seven hours. Service on the Malda line was also affected.
In Jangipur, Murshidabad, demonstrators continued their opposition to the Act, setting multiple vehicles ablaze. Internet services in the area remained suspended due to previous unrest, and prohibitory orders stayed in place. Violence was also reported in Amtala, South 24 Parganas, where a police vehicle was vandalised during a rally.
Meanwhile, in Kolkata, students of Aliah University staged a protest at Park Circus, while rallies were held in Khidirpur against the Waqf Act. Responding to the growing unrest, Governor CV Ananda Bose directed the state government to take strict action against those responsible for violence in Murshidabad, Malda, and South 24 Parganas.
