A mob threw stones at a train at the Nimtita station on Friday, sparking a new round of violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal. Additionally, the mob damaged the station’s property. Seven to ten cops have been injured in the violence. Border Security Forces personnel have been deployed to contain the violence.
At least two trains have been cancelled, and another five have been diverted in the wake of the incident. A few commuters were also injured in the attack. Also, in Murshidabad, protesters clashed with police and resorted to torching vehicles and vandalism as protests turned violent.
Given the current circumstances, Governor CV Ananda Bose has issued stern directives to the state government to take prompt and decisive action against criminals who cause disruptions in sensitive areas, such as Amtala, Suti, Dhuliyan, and other locations in Murshidabad and North 24 Parganas, and has cautioned those who are turning to violence.
The Governor discussed the situation with the Chief Minister since he anticipated disturbance. Raj Bhavan has verified that the Chief Secretary was contacted and given the assurance that police personnel have been directed to take all necessary steps to restore and preserve order in impacted regions, even though the specifics of the conversation are still classified.
“We had information that there could be trouble, and it was discussed with CM’s office. We are monitoring the situation. Police have been given strict directions to take action. In the name of protest, tampering with lives is not correct. Action will be taken against people who do so,” Governor Bose told. “We have a peace room where the public can share information. Based on that, we had information, and we always discuss such information with the CM office,” he added.
Governor Bose is keeping a careful eye on the situation. Additionally, a 24-hour control room and a public helpline (033-22001641) have been established. The Governor has also contacted Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the issue, pointing out that the districts affected by violence are close to international borders.
Ahead of Mamata Banerjee’s important meeting with Imams in Kolkata on April 16, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh has urged the demonstrators to keep the peace. This occurred only three days after a violent protest against the Waqf Act in Murshidabad sparked tensions. When a fight broke out between the demonstrators and police on Tuesday, a sizable crowd had assembled to protest the legislation.
After police stepped in to stop the demonstrators from blocking a major local road, the situation worsened. As mayhem broke out in the area, numerous cars were set on fire and stones were thrown. Following lengthy discussions, both Houses of Parliament passed the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 last week. President Droupadi Murmu’s assent on Saturday turned the Bill into an Act.
On Tuesday, April 8, the Act was notified and went into force. Aliah University students in Kolkata also participated in a protest march earlier Friday against the controversial Waqf Act, which has been contested in the Supreme Court by a number of opposition parties.
