In April 2025, Murshidabad district in West Bengal became the epicenter of a disturbing wave of communal violence following protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. A court-appointed fact-finding committee has now revealed troubling details implicating political figures and highlighting a complete breakdown of local law enforcement.
Background: Protests Over Waqf Act
The violence stemmed from opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which altered how Waqf properties are administered. Despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s assurance that the Act would not be enforced in West Bengal, protests broke out in several districts, with Murshidabad witnessing the most severe escalation.
Timeline of Violence in Murshidabad
From April 8 to 13, violent clashes unfolded across Murshidabad. On April 11, a crowd of nearly 10,000 gathered, eventually turning into a mob that engaged in arson, stone-pelting, and attacks on police and public infrastructure. The violence resulted in the deaths of three individuals, injuries to more than ten, and the displacement of over 400 Hindu residents, who fled to the neighboring Malda district for safety.
Key Findings From the High Court Report
Involvement of Political Figures
The most explosive revelation in the fact-finding report is the alleged involvement of local political leaders:
- Mehboob Alam, a local councillor affiliated with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), is identified as having led a group of miscreants during the attacks.
- Amirul Islam allegedly directed the mob to homes and properties that had not yet been attacked, escalating the scale and intensity of the violence.
- Additionally, a local Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) was reportedly present during the assaults but took no action to stop the violence.
Police Inaction and Absence
The report strongly criticizes the role of local law enforcement:
- Villagers in Betbona made multiple distress calls, all of which went unanswered.
- The incident unfolded within 300 meters of the local police station, yet no officers intervened.
- The report describes the police as “completely inactive and absent,” a charge that raises questions about administrative accountability and state oversight.
Extent of Property Damage and Displacement
The scope of destruction was severe and deliberate:
- 113 homes in Betbona village were severely damaged and rendered uninhabitable.
- Water connections were deliberately severed, preventing residents from extinguishing fires.
- Women and children, gripped by fear, have sought shelter with relatives in safer areas.
Targeted Killings and Communal Nature of Violence
The communal undertone of the violence is further emphasized:
- On April 12, a Hindu man and his son were killed by their Muslim neighbours, according to the report.
- Several businesses, temples, and places of worship were attacked in what appears to be organized communal violence.
Looting and Arson of Commercial Establishments
Murshidabad’s local economy also took a hit:
- 29 shops in Ghoshpara were damaged or looted.
- A mall-style shopping complex was attacked and shut down.
- Essential businesses, including grocery, textile, and hardware stores, were either vandalized or set ablaze.
Court and Government Response
In response to the findings:
- The Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to maintain peace and order.
- Internet services were suspended, and Section 144 was imposed to restrict gatherings.
- A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed, and over 210 arrests have been made.
The High Court is also expected to deliberate further on the report’s findings and may consider directing the state government to take action against those named, including political figures.
Conclusion: A Breakdown of Law and Governance
The Murshidabad violence presents a grim example of how political interference, police inaction, and communal tensions can converge to destabilize communities. The revelations of political involvement by TMC leaders, the failure of local police to act, and the organized nature of the attacks have ignited fresh debates on law enforcement accountability and communal harmony in West Bengal.
The findings are likely to spark broader political and legal ramifications as the High Court considers its next steps. Meanwhile, affected families continue to await justice and safety.
Read next story: Top Maoist Leader Basavaraju Killed in Encounter: PM Modi Calls It a ‘Remarkable Success’
About the author
Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder Case: Wife Sonam Raghuvanshi Planned Husband Raja’s Murder, Say Police
The shocking Meghalaya honeymoon murder case involving an Indore couple has taken a dark twist. Police officials confirmed that Sonam Raghuvanshi, the wife of the deceased Raja Raghuvanshi, allegedly plotted his murder during their honeymoon and hired contract killers to execute the plan. Timeline of the Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder Case May 11, 2024: Raja Raghuvanshi and Sonam get married in Indore. May 21–22: Couple arrives in Meghalaya to celebrate their honeymoon; checks into a homestay in Nongriat. May 23: Sonam and Raja are seen with three unidentified men during a trek to Mawlkhiat. Their rented scooter is later found abandoned in Sohrarim village. June 2: After 10 days of searching, Raja’s decomposed body is discovered by NDRF in a 100-foot-deep gorge near Wei Sawdong waterfalls. June 9: Meghalaya DGP confirms that Sonam, along with three men, has been arrested for […]
COVID-19 Update: Nearly 4,000 Active Cases in India, Kerala and Maharashtra See Highest Surge
India has reported a total of 3,961 active COVID-19 cases, reflecting a gradual uptick in infections across several key states. According to the Union Health Ministry’s latest update, 203 new cases were added to the national tally since Sunday. The increase has prompted heightened monitoring by health authorities and renewed efforts to ensure preparedness across the country. Kerala, Maharashtra Lead in Active Case Count Kerala has emerged as the state with the highest number of active cases at 1,435, followed by Maharashtra with 506 cases. Maharashtra has also reported three COVID-related deaths, including that of a 67-year-old man with severe pneumonia and a 21-year-old individual suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis. Delhi, meanwhile, has 483 active cases and recorded two deaths, involving a 60-year-old woman recovering from intestinal surgery and a 22-year-old woman with post-tuberculosis lung complications. Surge in Other States Several […]
Jyoti Malhotra, Espionage & Guns: Scottish YouTuber Recounts Frightening Meeting in Pakistan
In a startling moment caught on camera, Scottish YouTuber Callum Mill who runs the travel channel Callum Abroad was left baffled after witnessing fellow vlogger Jyoti Malhotra roam Lahore’s bustling Anarkali Bazaar surrounded by six armed men wielding AK-47s. An Unexpected Encounter in Lahore The video, filmed during Callum’s visit to Pakistan in March, captures the vibrant chaos of Anarkali Bazaar one of the oldest markets in South Asia. In the midst of the crowd, Callum spots several heavily armed men wearing jackets emblazoned with "No Fear." Moments later, Indian YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra enters the frame, also recording video content. Their brief exchange was seemingly casual. Jyoti, now under investigation in India for alleged espionage, asks Callum if it's his first time in Pakistan. “No, five times,” he replies. She then inquires if he has been to India and introduces […]
Murshidabad Violence Update: Report Reveals Political Involvement, Police Inaction, and Targeted Attacks
In April 2025, Murshidabad district in West Bengal became the epicenter of a disturbing wave of communal violence following protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. A court-appointed fact-finding committee has now revealed troubling details implicating political figures and highlighting a complete breakdown of local law enforcement. Background: Protests Over Waqf Act The violence stemmed from opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which altered how Waqf properties are administered. Despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s assurance that the Act would not be enforced in West Bengal, protests broke out in several districts, with Murshidabad witnessing the most severe escalation. Timeline of Violence in Murshidabad From April 8 to 13, violent clashes unfolded across Murshidabad. On April 11, a crowd of nearly 10,000 gathered, eventually turning into a mob that engaged in arson, stone-pelting, and attacks on police and public infrastructure. […]
Supreme Court Slams MP Minister Vijay Shah Over Remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Orders Apology
In a sharp rebuke, the Supreme Court of India on Wednesday directed Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah to personally apologize to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, an Indian Army officer, for making a derogatory and insensitive comment linking her to terrorists. What Triggered the Controversy? The controversy erupted after Vijay Shah, while addressing a public gathering, allegedly referred to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi as a "sister of terrorists." The remark sparked widespread outrage, as the senior Army officer is known for her service and integrity. The statement, widely circulated on social media, drew criticism from citizens, veterans, and opposition parties alike. Supreme Court's Response Taking the matter seriously, a bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud termed the minister’s remark as "deeply irresponsible and unbecoming of a public servant." The court stressed the importance of respecting the armed forces and maintaining dignity in […]
Operation Sindoor Continues: India-Pakistan Conflict Reignites Amid Cross-Border Strikes
Tensions between India and Pakistan have once again reached a critical point as Operation Sindoor continues in response to a brutal terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. This latest development in the long-standing India Pakistan conflict has reignited fears of a wider confrontation, with airstrikes, military retaliation, and civilian displacement dominating the latest India Pakistan news headlines. Background: The Catalyst for Operation Sindoor The military offensive was initiated following a deadly terrorist attack in the Pahalgam region of Jammu & Kashmir that left over two dozen civilians dead. The Indian government held Pakistan-based terror groups responsible, prompting immediate and coordinated military action under the banner of Operation Sindoor. This strategic operation has targeted several suspected terrorist camps in Pakistan-administered territory, including areas believed to harbor key operatives of groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Precision Strikes and Military Strategy India’s air campaign […]
Related
Thane Train Accident: Four Dead After Falling from Overcrowded Local, Railways to Introduce Automatic Doors
In a tragic reminder of Mumbai's chronic overcrowding crisis, four passengers died and two were seriously injured after falling from an overcrowded local train near Thane. The incident occurred between Diva and Mumbra stations, where passengers standing near the doors were thrown off balance as two trains crossed each other on a curved section of the track. What Happened: Overcrowding and Lack of Safety Features to Blame According to railway officials, the passengers who fell were standing dangerously close to the edge due to extreme overcrowding. When the trains crossed paths on the curve, the jostling led to eight people falling off the footboard, out of which four were killed on the spot. One of the deceased was identified as a Government Railway Police (GRP) constable, Vikky Babasaheb (34). The names of the other deceased include: Rahul Gupta (28) Ketan […]
Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder Case: Wife Sonam Raghuvanshi Planned Husband Raja’s Murder, Say Police
The shocking Meghalaya honeymoon murder case involving an Indore couple has taken a dark twist. Police officials confirmed that Sonam Raghuvanshi, the wife of the deceased Raja Raghuvanshi, allegedly plotted his murder during their honeymoon and hired contract killers to execute the plan. Timeline of the Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder Case May 11, 2024: Raja Raghuvanshi and Sonam get married in Indore. May 21–22: Couple arrives in Meghalaya to celebrate their honeymoon; checks into a homestay in Nongriat. May 23: Sonam and Raja are seen with three unidentified men during a trek to Mawlkhiat. Their rented scooter is later found abandoned in Sohrarim village. June 2: After 10 days of searching, Raja’s decomposed body is discovered by NDRF in a 100-foot-deep gorge near Wei Sawdong waterfalls. June 9: Meghalaya DGP confirms that Sonam, along with three men, has been arrested for […]
Meghalaya Murder Mystery: Indore Couple’s Honeymoon Turns Tragic as Husband Found Dead, Wife Missing
Meghalaya Murder Mystery: Indore Couple’s Honeymoon Ends in Tragedy In a disturbing case now known as the Meghalaya murder, newlywed couple Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi from Indore mysteriously vanished during their honeymoon in Shillong. What began as a joyful trip has turned into a national concern, raising questions about tourist safety and justice in Meghalaya. CCTV Footage Deepens Meghalaya Murder Mystery The couple was last seen in CCTV footage checking into a Shillong hotel on May 22. After heading out for a local trek on May 23, they were never heard from again. Their rented scooter was later found abandoned in Sohrarim, adding to the suspense of the Meghalaya murder investigation. Tragic Discovery: Husband’s Body Recovered On June 2, search teams discovered Raja Raghuvanshi’s body in a deep gorge. Alongside him were his phone and a machete believed to be […]
Bengaluru Tragedy: RCB Official Among Four Arrested Over Deadly Stampede
In the aftermath of the devastating Bengaluru tragedy, which claimed 11 lives and left over 50 injured, the city police have arrested four individuals, including a top executive from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The arrests are part of an ongoing probe into the stampede that occurred during the franchise's IPL victory celebration at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Who Was Arrested in the Bengaluru Tragedy Case? The police confirmed the arrest of Nikhil Sosale, RCB's head of marketing and long-time associate of former captain Virat Kohli, along with three senior executives from DNA Entertainment Networks, the event organizer responsible for managing the fan celebration. The accused have been booked for negligence and mismanagement under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder and public endangerment. What Led to the Bengaluru Tragedy? The stampede unfolded on […]
RCB Stampede: Bengaluru Celebration Turns Deadly as 11 Fans Lose Lives
A Night of Celebration Turns Into a Nightmare What was meant to be a moment of historic pride for cricket fans turned into a horrifying tragedy. A massive crowd surge outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Tuesday evening led to a deadly RCB stampede, killing at least 11 people and injuring over 50 others. The event was organized by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to celebrate their first-ever IPL title victory. The celebration, however, spiraled into chaos due to massive overcrowding, mismanagement, and a critical lack of security coordination. What Triggered the RCB Stampede? The RCB team, fresh off their IPL 2025 win, had invited fans to gather at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate the long-awaited title. The announcement, made through social media just a few hours prior, quickly went viral — leading to an unexpected crowd of more than […]
Sharmistha Panoli Denied Interim Relief by Calcutta High Court in Offensive Video Case
Who is Sharmistha Panoli and Why Was She Arrested? Sharmistha Panoli, a 22-year-old law student from Symbiosis Law School, Pune, was arrested on May 24, 2025, for allegedly posting a video on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) containing offensive remarks about Prophet Mohammad. The video, which quickly went viral, triggered public outrage and led to the filing of an FIR under sections related to hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity between groups. Calcutta High Court Denies Interim Relief to Sharmistha Panoli On June 3, 2025, the Calcutta High Court refused to grant interim relief to Sharmistha Panoli. Justice Partha Sarathi Chatterjee, who presided over the case, stressed the importance of being cautious when expressing views on public platforms. “We have freedom of speech, but that doesn’t mean you will go on to hurt others… We must be cautious in a […]
Be the first to leave a comment