The Calcutta High Court was informed on Thursday by the West Bengal government that rioters in Murshidabad had attempted to kill policemen and even snatched a service pistol during a wave of violence that gripped several towns in the district. The violence, which took place over five days, spanned Suti, Raghunathganj, Dhuliyan, and Shamserganj towns in the Jangipur sub-division of Murshidabad, leading to widespread unrest and communal attacks.
The unrest erupted following protests by local Muslim groups against the newly implemented Waqf (Amendment) Act. What began as a protest soon escalated into violent clashes between the Muslim community and security forces. According to a report filed by the Bengal government, mobs attacked police personnel, with one officer’s service pistol being forcibly taken from them.
The violence, which began on April 8 at Omarpur, led to tragic casualties. Haragobindo Das (72) and his son Chandan Das (40) were brutally hacked to death by a mob. The third fatality, Ezaz Ahmed (25), was reportedly killed in firing by security forces as they tried to regain control over the situation.
As the violence spread, both the state and central governments deployed paramilitary forces to restore peace. At the hearing, central government lawyers requested that the nine companies of Border Security Force (BSF) and eight companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) stay in Murshidabad to manage the ongoing unrest. The Bengal government, while affirming that law and order had largely been restored, did not oppose this request but did highlight that many Hindu families displaced during the violence had returned home.
In light of the severity of the situation, the Calcutta High Court ordered the continued presence of the paramilitary forces in the region, especially after receiving reports about the attacks on police. The bench, comprising Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury, also suggested that a three-member panel, including representatives from the National Human Rights Commission, West Bengal State Human Rights Commission, and State Legal Services Authority, visit Murshidabad to assess the extent of peace restoration and rehabilitation efforts for the displaced villagers.
Multiple petitions have been filed since the unrest, seeking further investigation and action from national agencies. Among the petitioners, BJP legal cell member Priyanka Tibrewal has called for a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), while Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Amiya Kumar Sarkar has petitioned for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry. In addition, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has filed a petition seeking permission to visit the affected areas.
The Calcutta High Court also took note of the requests for the invocation of Article 355 and 356 of the Constitution, with some petitioners claiming that there was a breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state. The bench will hear these petitions again next week to determine the next steps in ensuring justice and rehabilitation for the riot-affected residents.
As the situation unfolds, the legal and political battle over the handling of the Murshidabad violence continues to intensify. The Court’s intervention, along with the ongoing investigations, is expected to bring clarity on the steps forward in restoring lasting peace in the region.
Sources By Agencies
