118 arrested in Murshidabad WAQF violence as DG Rajiv Kumar vows strict actions

Fresh unrest rocked Murshidabad district on Saturday as violent protests continued in opposition to the controversial Waqf Bill. The epicenters of the turmoil—Suti, Jangipur, Shamsherganj, and now Dhulian—witnessed arson, vandalism, and clashes with law enforcement, prompting a sharp warning from West Bengal’s Director General of Police (DG), Rajiv Kumar.

The top cop minced no words while addressing the media, saying, “No one will be spared for hooliganism. We have videos, pictures—everyone will be identified.” The message comes amid growing violence over the past 72 hours that has left parts of Murshidabad on edge. Buses and police vehicles were torched, railway tracks blocked, and even national highways came to a standstill due to the aggressive protests.

On Saturday morning, the tension peaked in Dhulian where incidents of fresh stone-pelting and vandalism were reported. According to officials, police were forced to fire shots to disperse mobs, and Central forces have been deployed for crowd control. Minor injuries were reported among both protesters and police personnel. Section 163 has been imposed in the affected zones to restrict assembly and maintain order.

DG Rajiv Kumar emphasized that the police are acting in the interest of public safety, not against citizens. “We are not trigger-happy, but if someone takes the law into their own hands, strictest action will follow,” he said. He also appealed to residents not to fall prey to rumors and avoid getting misled by those with malicious intent.

ADG (Law and Order) Javed Shamim confirmed that four rounds were fired by the police on Friday to curb unrest. He added that the firing seen in Dhulian on Saturday may have been conducted by BSF forces deployed on-site. So far, 118 individuals have been arrested for instigating violence and damaging public property. Police said more arrests are imminent.

Senior officials including the Inspector General (IG), Superintendent of Police (SP), and others are currently stationed in Murshidabad to take direct control of the situation. The administration has assured that compensation will be given to any civilians who suffer property damage during the violence. But as DG Kumar stressed, “Our first duty is to protect life and order. We’ll do whatever it takes.”