In the aftermath of deadly clashes in Murshidabad district over the Waqf Amendment Act, the West Bengal Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the violence that claimed three lives. The move follows growing concern over communal unrest and political controversy in the region.
Details of the SIT and Arrests
The newly formed SIT includes nine members, comprising officers from various branches: an Additional Superintendent of Police (Intelligence Branch), two Deputy Superintendents from the Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) and Criminal Investigation Department (CID), four CID inspectors, one from Traffic Police, and the in-charge of the Cyber Crime Police Station under Sundarban Police District. So far, 150 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, and heavy deployment of police has been made in affected areas including Samserganj and Dhuliyan. The Union Home Ministry also sent nine companies of Border Security Force (BSF), involving over 900 personnel, to assist with maintaining law and order.
Political Responses and Community Outreach
Amidst tensions, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with Muslim clerics in Kolkata and announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of those killed. She assured that the Chief Secretary would file a detailed report on the incident. The violence erupted on April 11 during a protest by the Muslim community against the Centre’s Waqf Amendment Act. What started as a demonstration turned violent, leading to the death of a father-son duo and several injuries, including one fatality caused by police firing.
West Bengal Minorities Commission Chairman Ahmed Hassan Imran condemned the violence and reiterated Mamata Banerjee’s stance that protests should remain peaceful. He highlighted the CM’s proposal to hold a protest in Delhi with the support of Trinamool Congress MPs. Authorities have stated that the situation has now stabilized, and a control room has been set up for public assistance. Additional Director General of Police, South Bengal, Supratim Sarkar confirmed that joint forces including the CRPF and state police are present in the area to ensure peace.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on the SIT and the political handling of the issue, which has brought the volatile intersection of religion, governance, and community sentiment into sharp focus.
