Murshidabad Violence: 22 arrested, internet snapped, fresh clashes break out

Fresh clashes were reported on Wednesday (April 9) in parts of Raghunathganj and Suti in Murshidabad, a day after violent protests broke out over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Protesters also blocked roads and burned tyres near Ahirne under Suti police station limits on National Highway 12. When police tried to stop them, they reportedly pelted stones, triggering a confrontation.

On Tuesday evening (April 8), nearly 100 protesters gathered at Umarpur crossing under the Raghunathganj police station, raising slogans against the Bill. The demonstration escalated into violence, with protesters allegedly clashing with police, torching two vehicles, and vandalising several others. Police reportedly responded with tear gas and lathi charge. By Tuesday night, officials stated that normalcy had been restored and vehicular movement resumed on the highway.

District Magistrate Rajarshi Mitra imposed a 48-hour Prohibitory Order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, effective from 6 p.m. Tuesday (April 8) to 6 p.m. Thursday (April 10), restricting assembly of five or more persons under Raghunathganj and Suti police stations. West Bengal Home Secretary Nandini Chakraborty also ordered the suspension of internet services in the Jangipur Sub-Division till 6 p.m. Friday (April 11). As of Wednesday, around 22 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, according to Jangipur Police District Superintendent.

Meanwhile, Berhampore in Murshidabad witnessed a separate protest on Wednesday by unemployed individuals who locked the District Inspector of Schools (DI) office, demanding employment. Protesters claimed they were eligible for jobs but had not been selected. Some demonstrators said they would escalate their agitation if their demands were not met. The protest led to a brief scuffle with police, prompting deployment of additional forces from the Berhampore police station.

On Tuesday night, the Officer on Special Duty to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose posted on social media that the Governor had condemned the violence and directed the government to take “bold action” and submit a report. Addressing concerns about the Waqf Bill during an event in Kolkata on Wednesday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed for calm and said, “Please don’t get restless... Many people are politically provoking you... When Didi is here, Didi will protect you and your property.”