Murshidabad Violence Over Waqf Act: Centre Deploys Additional BSF, Three Killed

In order to address the ongoing violence in Murshidabad related to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan conducted a video conference with the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal on Saturday. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) declared after the meeting that five more companies of Border Security Force (BSF) personnel would be sent to the area. The state government requested these reinforcements, which are in addition to the 300 BSF members currently stationed locally.

The MHA claims that Mohan gave state officials instructions to keep a careful eye on the situation on the ground and take all necessary actions to quickly return things to normal. Additionally, he reassured them that the central government is keeping a careful eye on events and is prepared to offer any support that may be needed.

The Union home secretary was briefed by DGP Rajeev Kumar on the situation on the ground, which he described as "tense" but under control. He affirmed that over 150 people had been taken into custody in relation to the violence thus far. He also recognized the usefulness of the BSF forces that were already in action.

The central government created the law. Therefore, you should ask the central government for the response you desire. We have stated unequivocally that we oppose this legislation. Our state will not enforce this law. What is the riot about, then?

Violence persisted in some places on Saturday in spite of these guarantees. Police in Murshidabad used four rounds to quell the disturbances, injuring two people who are presently undergoing medical care. Additionally, authorities claimed that young boys had been misled into taking part in the violence by false information.

Due to the disturbances, train services between Dhuliandanga and Nimtita stations on the Eastern Railway's New Farakka-Azimganj section were interrupted for almost six hours on Friday.

The administration has suspended internet services in the impacted areas and placed prohibitory orders in a number of Murshidabad neighborhoods in an effort to stop the situation from getting worse.