Three people lost their lives and scores were injured in violent protests that erupted across parts of West Bengal this week over the handling of Waqf properties. The violence, which broke out primarily in Bhangar (South 24 Parganas) and Chopra (North Dinajpur), has prompted the Calcutta High Court to order the urgent deployment of central paramilitary forces throughout the state.
The unrest began when local community members, led by activists and religious leaders, demanded transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Waqf Board. They alleged illegal encroachments, unauthorized sales, and corruption in the administration of Waqf land—property that is legally meant to be preserved for charitable and religious uses within the Muslim community.
As tensions escalated, peaceful demonstrations gave way to chaos. Protesters blocked roads, pelted stones, and vandalized government property. Police retaliation included baton charges and tear gas, but the situation deteriorated quickly. In the ensuing clashes, three people were killed and dozens injured, including both protestors and law enforcement personnel.
In the wake of the violence, the Calcutta High Court took swift action. In a strongly worded order, the court instructed the State Election Commission (SEC) to requisition and deploy central forces across all districts within 48 hours. The court emphasized that the number of deployed personnel must exceed those used in previous elections, including the volatile 2013 panchayat polls.
The court also criticized the SEC and the state administration for failing to anticipate unrest, ignoring early warning signs, and delaying central deployment requests. It ordered a complete review of all polling booths and identification of “sensitive” and “hyper-sensitive” zones, demanding full security coverage for these areas.
The incident has quickly become a flashpoint in West Bengal’s political landscape. Opposition parties have accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of politicizing the Waqf Board and failing to maintain law and order. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in particular, has demanded a CBI investigation into both the violence and the alleged Waqf mismanagement.
Meanwhile, the state government has begun an internal probe and announced compensation for the families of the deceased. However, the protests—and the response—have raised questions about administrative transparency, electoral preparedness, and the future of communal harmony in the region.
Journalist Details
- Jitendra Kumar is an Indian journalist and social activist from Hathras in Uttar Pradesh is known as the senior journalist and founder of Xpert Times Network Private Limited.
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