Bengal Anti-Waqf protests: Murshidabad devastated, People fleeing

Scenes of devastation unfolded across West Bengal's violence-hit Murshidabad district on Sunday, with paramilitary forces conducting patrols through deserted streets. The district remains tense following the violent protests triggered by the Waqf Act.

In response to escalating unrest, the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of paramilitary forces in the district's most sensitive areas. The court, acknowledging reports of widespread vandalism in several districts, emphasised that it could not "turn a blind eye" to the unfolding situation.

In the aftermath of violent protests, visuals surfaced showing residents fleeing Murshidabad by boat, attempting to cross the river into neighbouring Malda in search of safety.

The violence, which began after Friday prayers, persisted into a second day. Police confirmed that at least three people have been killed in the clashes. On Sunday, authorities arrested twelve more people, following overnight raids, bringing the total number of arrests to 150. Police stated that the situation had calmed in the Suti, Dhulian, Samserganj, and Jangipur regions.

Police said that more arrests were likely as authorities continued investigating incidents of violence. They were also conducting vehicle checks on main roads and patrolling sensitive areas. Meanwhile, BJP MP Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato has written to Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding the imposition of AFSPA in Murshidabad, Malda, Nadia, and South 24 Parganas districts.