In a distressing turn of events, over 400 Hindu families from Murshidabad’s Dhulian town have been forced to seek refuge in Malda district following violent clashes over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The unrest, which began on April 8, turned deadly, claiming three lives — including 72-year-old Hargobind Das and his 40-year-old son Chandan Das, who were brutally killed during the chaos in Shamsherganj.
Adding to the tragedy, 17-year-old Izaz Ahmed Sheikh died from gunshot wounds after police opened fire in Suti during attempts to disperse the mob.
As violence escalated across Murshidabad and spread to Malda, Hooghly, and South 24 Parganas, the Calcutta High Court stepped in on April 12, directing deployment of central paramilitary forces – including seven BSF companies – to restore order and prevent further bloodshed in the communally fragile region.
Authorities have arrested over 150 individuals in connection with what they’re calling a “pre-planned” wave of violence. Many affected Hindu families escaped the turmoil by crossing the Ganges in boats to reach safer ground in Parlalpur village, Malda, where they are now living in a local high school.
The BJP slammed the Mamata Banerjee-led government for failing to safeguard Hindu lives. Meanwhile, CM Banerjee denounced the violence and firmly stated that the Waqf Act would not be enforced in West Bengal.
Despite government intervention, tension simmers, leaving regional peace on a knife’s edge.
