Internet Suspended, Prohibitory Order Imposed As Protests Over Waqf Act In Murshidabad Turn Violent

Section 163 of the BNS has been imposed in the Raghunathganj and Suti police station areas of Murshidabad for 48 hours from 6 pm on Tuesday. Internet services have been suspended in Jangipur.

Protesters torched vehicles in Murshidabad district.

Source : PTI

Murshidabad Violence: Internet services were suspended, and prohibitory orders were imposed as protests over the Waqf Act turned violent in Murshidabad. Section 163 of the BNS has been imposed in the Raghunathganj and Suti police station areas of Murshidabad for 48 hours from 6 pm on Tuesday. Internet services have been suspended in the Jangipur subdivision.

The protesters allegedly hurled stones and set police vehicles on fire during a protest over the Waqf (Amendment) Act on Tuesday. The incident happened on the NH-12 in the Jangipur area, where a large number of people had assembled in the afternoon, demanding the withdrawal of the legislation.

"The protestors hurled stones at the police who were deployed in the area and in the ensuing chaos, some police vehicles were set on fire," a senior district police officer said.

The attack forced the police to lathi-charge the protestors and use tear gas shells to bring the situation under control, he said.

"Security has been strengthened in the area following the incident," he said, adding that a few police personnel were injured in the stone pelting.

A few people have been detained in connection with the incident, the officer said.

In a post on X, the West Bengal Police said, "The unruly mob has been dispersed. Traffic has returned to normalcy on the national highway. Strict action will be taken against those who have resorted to violence."

"Legal action will also be initiated against rumour-mongers trying to spread misinformation. We request all not to heed rumours and keep calm," it added.

Mass Education Extension Minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury, also the president of the West Bengal Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, criticised the police action against the violent mob.

"Even during the Left rule, police never baton-charged minorities. If someone has resorted to violence, obviously, action must be taken. But resorting to lathi charge on a rally is unacceptable," said Chowdhury, a senior TMC leader.

Governor CV Ananda Bose said attempts to disturb the law and order situation in the state "should be put down with an iron hand".