Three individuals, including a father-son duo, lost their lives in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district following violent clashes linked to opposition against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Harogobindo Das and his son Chandan were found fatally stabbed inside their home in Jafrabad, Samserganj, while 21-year-old Ijaz Momin died of gunshot injuries sustained during unrest in Suti. (PICS/PTI)
Updated on : 13 April,2025 12:01 PM IST | Compiled by : Anisha Shrivastava
Police confirmed that both stabbing victims were declared dead upon arrival at hospital, and post-mortem examinations have been conducted. Family members of the deceased alleged the assailants looted their residence before carrying out the fatal attack and fleeing the scene.
In a separate incident in Dhulian, Samserganj, two bidi factory workers, one of them a minor, suffered gunshot wounds while en route to work; both are reported to be in stable condition. The total number of arrests in connection with the unrest has climbed to 138, with police maintaining a presence in affected areas through patrols and route marches.
At least 18 police personnel were injured during the clashes, prompting security forces to open fire to regain control and prevent further escalation. Large-scale disruptions were reported in Suti and Samserganj blocks, including road blockades, torching of police vehicles, and damage to railway property.
Train services on the New Farakka–Azimganj route were suspended for nearly six hours between Dhuliandanga and Nimtita due to the unrest. The state government imposed prohibitory orders and suspended internet services in several areas of Murshidabad to curb the spread of violence.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee clarified that the controversial Waqf legislation was passed by the Centre and reiterated that it would not be implemented in West Bengal. Political tensions escalated, with BJP leaders accusing the state of failing to protect certain communities and calling for a probe, while the ruling party urged restraint and warned against incitement for political gain.
