West Bengal, a politically charged and culturally rich state in eastern India, is once again making headlines. But not for the right reasons. In April 2025, Murshidabad district witnessed violent protests, deaths, and displacement of families — all connected to a law most people hadn’t even heard of until recently: the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
Let’s break this down with facts, background, political connections, and the harsh reality on the ground.
1. What is the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025?
Waqf properties are lands or buildings donated for religious or community purposes under Islamic law. There are thousands of such properties across India. These are managed by Waqf Boards in each state.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 brought changes like:
- Centralizing the power to investigate Waqf properties
- Reducing state control
- Giving more power to the Central Waqf Council
- Stricter rules on land use and registration
Muslim communities in West Bengal, especially in places like Murshidabad, saw this as an attack on their religious rights. Many feared that land and property used for mosques, dargahs, madrasas, and even burial grounds could now be easily taken over by the government.
2. How Did the Violence Start?
Things got out of control in early April 2025:
- April 8-10: Protests began in Murshidabad, mostly peaceful at first.
- April 11: Protesters burned police vehicles, attacked trains, and stormed the MP office of Khalilur Rahaman (TMC).
- April 12: Clashes turned deadly in Shamsherganj. A mob attacked local Hindu families. Two people — Hargobind Das and his son Chandan Das — were killed. Another boy, Izaz Ahmed Sheikh, died in crossfire.
Police were slow to react, and many say the state government deliberately dragged its feet.
What Happened Between April 10 and 11?
While protests on April 8–10 were mostly peaceful, by the evening of April 10, tensions had started rising in local communities due to:
- Rumors on social media and WhatsApp that the government was planning to seize Waqf land used by local mosques and madrasas.
- Local religious leaders reportedly gave aggressive speeches at gatherings, warning that Muslims would “lose their rights” if the law wasn’t stopped.
- There were also calls for “action” instead of just protests — many believe these were deliberate incitements.
- Fake news and edited videos claiming “Hindu groups were planning to attack Muslim areas” were also shared in large numbers.
- Meanwhile, the state government remained silent, and police did not increase security despite rising tensions.
By the morning of April 11, the crowd was no longer peaceful. Protesters had gathered with sticks, stones, and petrol bombs. The violence seemed planned — not spontaneous.
3. Over 400 People Forced to Flee
More than 400 people — mostly Hindus — fled their homes in terror. Women, kids, old people — all ran overnight to places like Malda for safety. Entire neighborhoods were empty.
Displaced families say:
- Police didn’t protect them
- Local leaders didn’t even visit
- They received no support from the state government
4. Where Was Mamata Banerjee?
This is where it gets political — and controversial.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee initially said the state would not implement the Waqf law and blamed the central government. But here’s the problem:
- She did not visit the affected areas.
- She did not address the victims of the mob attacks.
- She repeatedly blamed BJP for creating fear — instead of taking responsibility.
Many locals and opposition leaders claim she is afraid to act against Muslim mobs because they are a major vote bank. There are strong accusations that the state government is soft on extremist elements to protect electoral support.
5. The Bangladesh Connection
This is not just about religion or politics — it’s also about illegal immigration.
Murshidabad shares a border with Bangladesh. For decades, people have crossed illegally and settled in border areas — often with political support.
Locals say:
- Many of the rioters were not local but Bangladeshi migrants.
- These migrants receive voter cards, ration, and benefits.
- They are used as a loyal vote bank, especially by TMC.
This has caused massive demographic changes, where in many villages, locals feel outnumbered and marginalized in their own homeland.
6. What Did the Courts Say?
After the violence got national attention, the Calcutta High Court stepped in. They:
- Ordered central forces like BSF to be deployed
- Asked for a detailed status report
- Slammed the state for failure to maintain law and order
Internet was suspended in Murshidabad, curfews were imposed, and over 200 people were arrested.
But the question remains: Why did it take so long? Could lives have been saved if action had been quicker?
7. Why This Matters for Every Indian
What happened in Murshidabad is not just about one district. It’s about:
- Whether laws can be debated without violence
- Whether state governments protect all citizens — or just their voters
- Whether political fear of losing votes stops leaders from doing their duty
And most importantly — it’s about whether the average Indian family feels safe in their own home.
8. The Victims’ Voices
Here’s what locals say:
“They came with sticks and stones. Police just watched.”
“We ran with just the clothes on our back.”
“My shop was looted. My wife is scared to return home.”
“We are citizens too. Why is no one listening to us?”
This isn’t politics for them. It’s life or death.
9. Was the Violence Pre-Planned? And Who Was Behind It?
Now here’s the big question everyone is asking:
Was this violence just a reaction? Or was it pre-planned?
Based on eyewitness reports, police intel, and media investigations:
- Many of the attackers were not locals — they were outsiders, and some spoke in a different Bengali dialect, commonly spoken in parts of Bangladesh.
- Murshidabad, which shares a porous border with Bangladesh, has long been known as a hub for illegal immigration.
- Locals claim they recognized some attackers as Bangladeshi-origin migrants, who were politically protected and often used during elections to sway votes.
So yes — there are strong signs this was pre-planned, and not just by locals.
10. Why Only West Bengal Turned Violent While Other States Stayed Peaceful
The Waqf (Amendment) Act sparked protests in many states like Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, and Maharashtra — but most of them stayed peaceful. So why did West Bengal, especially Murshidabad, erupt in deadly violence?
Here’s why:
- Weak policing and total silence from the CM.
- Illegal immigrants protected and emboldened by vote-bank politics.
- Organized radical groups operating in the region.
- Hindus feeling like second-class citizens in their own homeland.
This wasn’t about just land or law — it was about who controls the streets, who speaks for the people, and who stays silent when mobs attack.
Final Thought
West Bengal is at a crossroads. A beautiful state with rich history and diversity — but also boiling with political games, religious fault lines, and unsafe ground realities.
Murshidabad was a wake-up call.
If leaders only think about votes, and not about justice — this will happen again.
If illegal immigrants get more protection than local citizens — peace will break.
If mobs control the street, and police do nothing — India’s democracy will weaken from within.
Let’s stop pretending. Let’s start fixing. Because no citizen should feel like a refugee in their own land.
