At least two people were killed in the conflict and more than 100 were arrested for violence.
The zoning judge, presided over by Justice Soumen Sen, ordered the deployment of CAPF in affected areas of Murshidabad to assist in the return to normal state.
The court also directed the state government and the center to submit detailed reports on the situation.
The matter is scheduled to be held on April 17.
The Chief Justice formed a special judge composed of Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury, eagerly heard a petition filed by West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari, seeking the deployment of central forces in the region. The state lawyer told the court that seven BSF companies have been deployed in the whipping Suti, Dhuliyan and Samserganj areas of Murshidabad. However, Adhikari’s lawyers claimed that BSF personnel were not properly deployed to control the situation.
Given the urgency of this situation, the petition was heard on the bench during Saturday’s court holiday.
Conflict with the WAQF Act
Two people were killed in the Meshidabad area of West Bengal following violent clashes allegedly related to ongoing protests against the WAQF Act (Amendment) bill, IPS officials said on Saturday. The victim – father and son – was found to have multiple stab wounds at his home in Jafrabad, which was violently attacked Samserganj area.
The official confirmed that an autopsy was conducted in the duo.
“Both victims were found lying in their homes and were pronounced dead in a nearby hospital,” he said.
The family claimed that the wrongdoing plundered the house and stabbed two people before escaping.
“The investigation is underway and we are trying to identify the person suspected of the murder. We have spoken with the family and other members of the local residents,” the official added.
In another incident, another person suffered bullet damage earlier that day at Dhulian in Samserganj Block.
The officer said the police patrols and marched in and around the affected areas to maintain law and order.
15 police officers were injured during clashes across the Murhidabad region on Friday.
Sham said police have arrested 118 people so far, in connection with the violence that broke out during the protests against the WAQF (Amendment) bill.
Police reportedly fired four rounds to control the mob.
In the controversial bill, large-scale violence occurred in Susi and Samirganj areas.
The WAQF (Amendment) bill was listed in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha from April 2 to 3, respectively.
It was passed in both houses, and later obtained the president’s consent and later became law. On April 5, President Droupadi Murmu agreed to the WAQF (Amendment) bill, 2025.
Although the opposition has been protesting against the WAQF bill, the BJP has launched the “WAQF Reform Awareness Movement”, which will be held from April 20 to May 5. The initiative will tell the WAQF bill is good for the Muslim community.
