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{{Short description|Violent protests in Murshidabad, West Bengal}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox civil conflict
| title = Murshidabad violence
| image = NCW Chairperson Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar visited Parlalpur High School, Malda to meet women affected by the exodus caused by the Murshidabad riots.jpg
| alt =
| caption = [[National Commission for Women|NCW]] Chairperson Smt. [[Vijaya Rahatkar]] visited [[Parlalpur High School]], [[Malda district|Malda]], to meet women affected by the exodus caused by the Murshidabad riots<ref>{{cite web |title=Hon’ble NCW Chairperson Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar visited Parlalpur High School, Malda to meet women affected by the exodus caused by the Murshidabad riots. - National Commission for Women |url=https://www.ncw.gov.in/honble-ncw-chairperson-smt-vijaya-rahatkar-visited-parlalpur-high-school-malda-to-meet-women-affected-by-the-exodus-caused-by-the-murshidabad-riots/ |website=[[National Commission for Women]] |publisher=NCW Website |date=18 April 2025}}</ref>
| date = 8–13 April 2025
| place = [[Murshidabad]], [[West Bengal]], India
| coordinates = {{coord|24.18|88.27|display=inline,title}}
| methods = [[Protesting]], [[rioting]], [[stone throwing|stone-pelting]], [[looting]], [[arson]], [[mobbing]]
| causes = [[The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025]]
| injuries = 10+<ref name="indiatoday" />
| fatalities = 3<ref>{{Cite web |title=3 Killed In Bengal Waqf Protests, Court Orders Deployment Of Central Forces |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/3-killed-in-clashes-linked-to-protests-against-waqf-act-in-bengals-murshidabad-police-8148399 |access-date=12 April 2025 |website=[[New Delhi TV]] |language=en}}</ref>
| arrests = 300+<ref name="thehindu">{{cite web |last1=Som |first1=Moyurie |title=Waqf issue violence: 22 held, Internet suspended in Bengal's Murshidabad |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/murshidabad-anti-waqf-bill-violence-twenty-two-arrested-internet-suspended-prohibitory-orders-imposed/article69430045.ece |website=The Hindu |language=en-IN |date=9 April 2025}}</ref>
| map_type = India West Bengal
| map_label = Murshidabad district
| map_caption = Location of the violence in West Bengal, India
| sidebox =
}}
The '''Murshidabad violence''' refers to a series of violent incidents that occurred in April 2025 in the [[Murshidabad district]] of [[West Bengal]], India, following protests against the [[The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025|Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025]]. Following a gathering of [[Muslims]] which quickly turned violent, multiple homes were [[stone throwing|pelted with stones]] and vandalised. This led to unrest in the region. Many [[Hindu]] families were forced to vacate their homes, and their properties, including [[cattle]], were torched by rioters.

The violence included the blocking of [[National Highway 12 (India)|National Highway 12]], the setting ablaze of police vehicles, attacks on a local [[Member of Parliament|MP]]'s office, and disruption of train services at [[Nimtita railway station]]. Over 400 Hindus, including women and children, were displaced from affected areas and took shelter in the neighbouring [[Malda district]].<ref name=":1" />

In response, additional security forces were deployed, internet services were suspended, and the [[Calcutta High Court]] ordered the deployment of central forces to restore order. Political parties issued varied reactions, with the [[Bharatiya Janata Party – West Bengal|Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) criticizing the state government and the [[Trinamool Congress]] (TMC) alleging that the rioting was the fault of the BJP.

== Background ==
[[The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025]], was passed by both [[Parliament of India|Houses of Parliament]] following extended debates. It received presidential assent from President [[Droupadi Murmu]] on 5 April 2025 and was officially notified, coming into effect on 8 April 2025.<ref name="indiatoday">{{cite web |date=11 April 2025 |title=Waqf protest turns violent in Bengal, mob throws stones at train, cops injured |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/mob-throws-stone-at-train-vandalise-station-in-bengals-murshidabad-2707714-2025-04-11 |website=[[India Today]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="iee" />

The legislation introduced significant changes to the administration and governance of [[Waqf]] properties across the country. Critics argued that the amendments infringed upon religious freedoms and minority rights, leading to widespread concerns, particularly among Muslim communities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 April 2025 |title=Waqf bill: India Lok Sabha passes controversial bill on Muslim properties |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy744983e3o.amp |access-date=12 April 2025 |website=[[BBC News]] |language=en-gb}}</ref>

In West Bengal, which has a substantial Muslim population, the Act was met with strong opposition. Various groups organized protests to express their dissatisfaction. Despite assurances from Chief Minister [[Mamata Banerjee]] that the Act would not be enforced in West Bengal, demonstrations intensified, particularly in the Murshidabad district.<ref name=":0" />

The protests, initially peaceful, soon turned violent, resulting in clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement agencies. The unrest ultimately led to casualties, property damage, and disruption of public services, prompting the intervention of central paramilitary forces following orders from the Calcutta High Court.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=12 April 2025 |title=Court orders central forces' deployment in Murshidabad over Waqf-related violence |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/law-news/story/calcutta-high-court-orders-central-forces-deployment-violence-waqf-protest-bengal-murshidabad-suvendu-adhikari-plea-2708094-2025-04-12 |access-date=12 April 2025 |website=[[India Today]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Protests and violence ==
The violence in the Murshidabad district began in early April 2025, following protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Demonstrators expressed concerns over provisions in the amended law, which are believed to affect property rights and religious institutions. The protests initially started peacefully but escalated into violent clashes in areas such as [[Jangipur subdivision|Jangipur]] and [[Umrapur, West Bengal|Umarpur]].<ref name="indianexpress">{{cite web |date=12 April 2025 |title=Protest against Waqf law turns violent in Murshidabad again, TMC MP's office ransacked; BSF deployed |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/protest-waqf-law-violent-murshidabad-tmc-mp-office-ransacked-9939314/ |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref>

On 8 April 2025, protesters blocked National Highway 12 at Umarpur, disrupting traffic and setting police vehicles on fire.<ref name="iee">{{cite web |date=9 April 2025 |title=22 arrested over violence and arson during protests against Waqf Act in Bengal's Murshidabad |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/violence-protests-waqf-act-bengals-murshidabad-9934444/ |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref> The situation deteriorated further on 11 April when demonstrators vandalized public and private vehicles, attacked the office of local [[Member of Parliament]] (MP) [[Khalilur Rahaman]], and set a police jeep ablaze. Train services were disrupted as protesters squatted on railway tracks and pelted stones at a stationary train at Nimtita railway station.<ref name="indiatoday" /><ref name="timesofindia">{{cite web |date=12 April 2025 |title=Over 110 arrested in Murshidabad in violence over Waqf Act, internet suspended, raids on in other districts: West Bengal police |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/over-110-arrested-in-murshidabad-in-violence-over-waqf-act-internet-suspended-raids-on-in-other-districts-west-bengal-police/articleshow/120225468.cms |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

On 12 April, a violent attack by a mob resulted in the deaths of two members of the same family, Hargobind Das and his son Chandan Das, when their residence was targeted.<ref name="Singh">{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Moyurie Som & Shiv Sahay |date=12 April 2025 |title=Waqf act protests: Three killed in fresh violence reported from West Bengal's Murshidabad |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/waqf-protests-fresh-violence-reported-from-west-bengal-murshidabad-several-injured/article69442638.ece |access-date=14 April 2025 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> According to the [[Special Investigation Team]] (SIT) report, the attackers broke down the main door, dragged out Chandan Das and Hargobind Das, and struck them in the back with an axe; a man reportedly stood guard until they died. The report also noted that in some attacks, the mob cut off the water supply to prevent fires from being extinguished. It stated, "The Islamists have burnt all the clothes in the house with the kerosene oil and the woman of the house had no clothes to cover her body."<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 May 2025 |title='TMC's anti-Hindu cruelty exposed': BJP's Sudhanshu Trivedi on fact-finding report on Murshidabad violence |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/tmc-s-anti-hindu-cruelty-exposed-bjp-s-sudhanshu-trivedi-on-fact-finding-report-on-murshidabad-violence-13037832.html |work=MoneyControl}}</ref> A 17-year-old, Izaz Ahmed Sheikh, also died after being shot during the unrest.<ref name="Singh" /> Following violent protests and communal unrest, over 400 Hindus, including women and children, fled from areas like [[Dhuliyan|Dhulian]], [[Suti]], and [[Samserganj (community development block)|Shamsherganj]] in Murshidabad district. They reportedly crossed the [[Bhagirathi River]] and took shelter at schools in Malda district, where local authorities provided temporary relief.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=15 April 2025 |title=Bengal communal violence: 'We have become refugees in our own land… We may never return' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/bengal-murshidabad-communal-violence-we-have-become-refugees-in-our-own-land-we-may-never-return-9944482/ |access-date=15 April 2025 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 April 2025 |title=Murshidabad residents who fled homes amid Waqf protest violence begin to return |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/west-bengal-police-update-murshidabad-unrest-returns-waqf-protest-2709030-2025-04-14 |access-date=15 April 2025 |website=[[India Today]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Waje |first=Hemant |title=Hundreds cross Bhagirathi river to flee Murshidabad violence |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/hundreds-cross-bhagirathi-river-to-flee-murshidabad-violence/20250414.htm |access-date=15 April 2025 |website=[[Rediff]] |language=en}}</ref>

The violence resulted in a total of three fatalities and injuries to more than ten individuals. Over 274 people were arrested and 60 [[First Information Report|FIRs]] were lodged in connection with the unrest.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Shiv Sahay |date=17 April 2025 |title=Murshidabad violence: 274 arrested, 60 FIRs lodged |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/murshidabad-violence-274-arrested-60-firs-lodged/article69461957.ece |access-date=18 April 2025 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Authorities imposed [[Section 144]] of the [[Code of Criminal Procedure (India)|Criminal Procedure Code]] in affected areas, restricting public gatherings, and internet services were suspended to prevent the spread of rumours.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 April 2025 |title=Top cop warns after Bengal Waqf law violence: Stop rumour-mongering now |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/top-cop-warns-after-bengal-waqf-law-violence-stop-rumour-mongering-now-murshidabad-violence-2707965-2025-04-12 |access-date=14 April 2025 |website=[[India Today]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Response ==
Following the outbreak of violence in Murshidabad, the [[Government of West Bengal]] took several measures to restore order. The state administration deployed additional police personnel to the affected areas and temporarily suspended internet services in parts of the district to prevent the spread of misinformation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Som |first=Moyurie |date=9 April 2025 |title=Waqf issue violence: 22 held, Internet suspended in Bengal's Murshidabad |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/murshidabad-anti-waqf-bill-violence-twenty-two-arrested-internet-suspended-prohibitory-orders-imposed/article69430045.ece/ |access-date=14 April 2025 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed for calm and stated that the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which had triggered the protests, would not be implemented in West Bengal.<ref name=":0" />

The Calcutta High Court directed the deployment of central forces, including units of the [[Border Security Force]] (BSF), to assist in maintaining law and order. The court also sought a status report from the state government regarding the steps taken to control the situation.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Som |first=Moyurie |date=12 April 2025 |title=Deploy Central forces in Murshidabad, says Calcutta HC |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/deploy-central-forces-in-murshidabad-says-calcutta-hc/article69443536.ece |access-date=14 April 2025 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

== Reactions ==
[[List of leaders of the opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly|Leader of the Opposition]] [[Suvendu Adhikari]] commented on the incident via the social media platform [[X (social network)|X]], describing the violence as a "premeditated act" by extremist elements. He stated that the events did not constitute a protest but were instead an attack on democratic institutions and governance, allegedly carried out by jihadist forces aiming to instill fear and disorder. Adhikari called for strict legal action against those responsible for the destruction of public property and for issuing threats to government officials.<ref name="financialexpress">{{cite web |date=12 April 2025 |title=Over 110 arrested after violent protests in Murshidabad against Waqf Act, tension grips West Bengal |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/over-110-arrested-after-violent-protests-in-murshidabad-against-waqf-act-tension-grips-west-bengal/3807603/ |website=[[The Financial Express (India)|Financialexpress]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Over 110 held in Murshidabad over Waqf Act violence, says Bengal Police |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/over-110-held-in-murshidabad-over-waqf-act-violence-says-bengal-police-125041200234_1.html |access-date=12 April 2025 |website=[[Business Standard]]}}</ref>

[[Chief Minister of West Bengal]] Mamata Banerjee condemned the violence in Murshidabad and appealed for peace across all communities. She clarified that the state government would not implement the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, describing it as legislation brought by the central government, and questioned the need for protests in the state. In a message posted on X, Banerjee urged people of all religions to remain calm and refrain from engaging in any unrighteous behaviour in the name of religion. She warned against political parties allegedly trying to incite riots for political gain and assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the violence.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=12 April 2025 |title=Won't implement Waqf law, don't incite riots for politics: Mamata Banerjee |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/mamata-banerjee-murshidabad-west-bengal-peace-remain-calm-message-riots-violence-waqf-protests-chief-minister-2707977-2025-04-12 |access-date=12 April 2025 |website=[[India Today]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 April 2025 |title=Mamata reassures Waqf Act will not be implemented in Bengal amid widespread protests |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Apr/12/mamata-reassures-waqf-act-will-not-be-implemented-in-bengal-amid-widespread-protests |access-date=12 April 2025 |website=[[The New Indian Express]] |language=en |agency=[[Press Trust of India]]}}</ref>

[[Bharatiya Janata Party, West Bengal|West Bengal BJP president]] and [[Member of Parliament]] [[Sukanta Majumdar]] alleged that the state government, under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was failing to take appropriate action during the violence in Murshidabad linked to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. He accused the police of inaction, claiming they remained silent under the Chief Minister's directives. Majumdar further alleged that Banerjee was "trying to create a Bangladesh-like situation by threatening Hindus." He added that the party was in touch with central authorities and that the [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)|Union Home Minister]] had been informed of the developments.<ref name="financialexpress" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee trying to create Bangladesh by 'threatening Hindus': BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-trying-to-create-bangladesh-by-threatening-hindus-bjp-mp-sukanta-majumdar/articleshow/120227743.cms |website=The Times of India |date=12 April 2025}}</ref>

In May 2025, [[Governor of West Bengal|West Bengal Governor]] [[C. V. Ananda Bose]] submitted a report to the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Union Ministry of Home Affairs]] on the Murshidabad riots, raising concerns about rising radicalisation and communal instability in the region.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 May 2025 |title=Governor Submits Report on Murshidabad Riots, Highlights Radicalisation Concerns |url=https://events247.in/governor-submits-report-on-murshidabad-riots-highlights-radicalisation-concerns/ |access-date=5 May 2025 |work=Events 24/7.in |language=en }}</ref> On 5 May 2025, Mamata Banerjee visited the riot-hit areas of the Murshidabad district, where she publicly accused the BJP-led central government and the BSF of instigating communal violence.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 May 2025 |title=Mamata Banerjee Visits Riot-Hit Murshidabad, Blames BJP for Communal Tensions |url=https://events247.in/mamata-banerjee-visits-riot-hit/ |access-date=5 May 2025 |work=Events 24/7.in |language=en}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[2025 Nagpur violence]]
* [[Shaheen Bagh protest]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Riots in India}}

[[Category:Anti-Hindu riots in India]]
[[Category:Politico-Religious violence in West Bengal]]
[[Category:2025 riots]]
[[Category:2025 fires in Asia]]
[[Category:April 2025 in India]]
[[Category:2020s in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Arson in 2025]]
[[Category:Arson attacks on vehicles in India]]
[[Category:Attacks on shops in India]]
[[Category:Attacks on railway stations in Asia]]
[[Category:Commercial building fires in India]]
[[Category:April 2025 crimes in Asia]]
[[Category:Stone pelting in India]]
[[Category:Looting in India]]
[[Category:Riots and civil disorder in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Building and structure arson attacks in India]]
[[Category:Murshidabad district]]
[[Category:Railway accidents and incidents in West Bengal]]
[[Category:2025 crimes in India]]
[[Category:2020s political riots]]
[[Category:Attacks on government buildings and structures in India]]
[[Category:Attacks on office buildings in India]]
[[Category:Political riots in India]]
[[Category:Controversies in India]]
[[Category:Political controversies in India]]
[[Category:Riots and civil disorder in India]]
[[Category:Religious riots in India]]

Murshidabad violence - Revision history

KandacePolding: created basic stub initial version