Waqf Act row: 3 dead in Murshidabad violence; HC orders deployment of central forces

According to police, so far, 138 people have been arrested in connection with the violence.

Among those dead, two were killed in clashes while one man was killed in firing, Additional Director General (ADG), Law and Order, Jawed Shamim told the media.

HC orders CAPF deployment

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court on Saturday ordered the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in Murshidabad district while asserting that it cannot turn a blind eye to reports of vandalism in a few districts of West Bengal.

Also read: Waqf Act riots in Murshidabad: Mamata appeals for peace in Bengal

The court said this direction will not be limited to Murshidabad district only and "as and when required it should be extended to other districts faced with a similar situation," and central forces may be deployed immediately to arrest the situation and bring normalcy.

"We cannot turn a blind eye to the various reports that have surfaced which prima facie shows vandalism in few districts of the State of West Bengal," a division bench presided by Justice Soumen Sen said.

The court noted that apart from Murshidabad, incidents have been reported from Amtala in South 24 Parganas district, in North 24 Parganas district, and at Champdani in Hooghly.

‘Courts cannot be mute spectators’

The central forces will operate "in cooperation" with the state administration, the bench directed.

"Constitutional courts cannot be a mute spectator and embroil itself in technical defences when the safety and security of the people are at danger," the bench, also comprising Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury, observed.

Also read: Waqf protests: Over 100 arrested for Murshidabad violence

"Deployment of central armed forces earlier could have de-escalated the situation as it appears adequate measures have not been taken in time," the court said.

Holding that the situation is grave and volatile, the court said action has to be taken against culprits to arrest the atrocities committed on innocent citizens on a war-footing.

Court seeks detailed report from state govt

Maintaining that the duty of the court is to protect citizens, the bench said every person has the right to life and it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that the life and property of every citizen is secured.

"It is undeniable that there have been frequent instances of violence between communities at different parts of West Bengal and the disquieting situation prevailing till today cannot be ignored," the bench observed.

The court also instructed the state government to submit detailed reports on the situation.

Also read: Why Murshidabad can’t look past its ruins this election season

The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17.

A special bench comprising Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury was constituted by the Chief Justice to urgently hear a petition filed by Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, seeking the deployment of central forces in the district.

BSF deployment

Six companies of BSF have been deployed in strife-hit Suti, Dhuliyan, and Samserganj areas of Murshidabad, the state lawyer told the court.

Adhikari's lawyer, however, alleged that the BSF personnel were not being deployed properly to control the situation.

The bench heard the petition on a court holiday on Saturday, considering the urgency of the situation.

Adhikari’s lawyer Soumya Majumdar submitted that the epicentre of the disturbance is the border district of Murshidabad, and from there, it has escalated to other parts of the state, and a particular community has been targeted during the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

The petitioner also prayed for investigation into incidents of violence and arson at Murshidabad by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Situation under control: State govt

Appearing for the state, senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee submitted before the court that the situation was under control and that the state police were adequately dealing with it.

Also read: Communal amity hangs precariously between hate and harmony in Bengal's Murshidabad

Opposing the prayers of Adhikari, he stated that senior officers and a large number of police forces were deployed in the affected areas.

He further claimed that the petition was politically motivated since it was made by Adhikari and another person owing allegiance to the opposition BJP.

Bengal wouldn’t implement law, says Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said that her government doesn’t not support the Waqf (Amendment) Act and will not implement it.

“We have made our position clear on this matter – we do not support this law. This law will not be implemented in our state. So what is the riot about?” Banerjee posted on X.

Appealing for peace and harmony, the chief minister reminded those protesting against it that the law had been enacted by the Centre, not the state government, and that they should, therefore, seek answers from it.

“My sincere appeal to all people of all religions, please remain calm, remain restrained. Do not engage in any unrighteous behavior in the name of religion. Every human life is precious, do not incite riots for the sake of politics. Those who are inciting riots are harming the society,” she said.

The chief minister also warned that legal action would be taken against those who incited riots.

Banerjee’s nephew and MP Abhishek Banerjee also appealed for peace.

"After failing to fight us politically on the issue of development, many are trying to spread unrest in Bengal by sowing divisions in the name of religion. I appeal to all today to maintain peace and uphold Bengal's legacy of harmony. We must all be alert and aware. Some people want Bengal to burn," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)