Waqf protest: 3 killed in Murshidabad clashes

Three people, including a man and his son, were killed in West Bengal's Murshidabad district following clashes allegedly linked to ongoing protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, PTI reported tonight quoting police.

Harogobindo Das and and his son Chandan were found with multiple stab wounds inside their home in Jafrabad located in the violence-hit Samserganj area, the officer said, requesting anonymity.

The third victim, identified as 21-year-old Ijaz Momin, sustained bullet wounds during clashes at Sajur More in Suti on Friday. "He succumbed to his injuries at the Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital on Saturday evening," the officer added.

The officer confirmed that post-mortem examinations had been conducted on the father and son. "Both the victims were discovered lying inside their home and were declared brought dead at a nearby hospital," he said.

Family members alleged that miscreants looted the house and fatally stabbed the two before fleeing.

"A probe is on, and we are trying to identify those involved in the killings. We have spoken to other members of the family and local residents," the officer added.

In a separate incident, two workers of a local bidi factory sustained bullet injuries earlier in the day at Dhulian in Samserganj block.

The Indian home ministry said in a statement late tonight that "in view of the communal violence" reported in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, the Indian Home Secretary Govind Mohan held a video conference with the chief secretary and director general of West Bengal police today.

The DGP, who is West Bengal police head, briefed that the situation was tense but under control and was being monitored closely.

The DGP further said he is taking the assistance of BSF posted locally and that more than 150 persons have been arrested.

The Indian home secretary said that apart from nearly 300 BSF personnel locally available in Murshidabad, additional five companies have been deployed at the request of the state government.

On Friday, 18 policemen were injured during clashes in various parts of Murshidabad district, Additional Director General (Law and Order) Jawed Shamim said.

"So far, police have arrested 118 people in connection with the violence that erupted during the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act," Shamim said, adding that the number is expected to rise.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 passed by Indian parliament recently has sparked protests across India with opposition parties and Muslim outfits voicing concern over its implications for minority rights and religious freedom.

The Indian government has defended the law as a landmark reform which brings transparency in the management of Waqf properties and benefits the entire society, including Muslims.

Widespread violence was reported from Suti and Samserganj areas during demonstrations over the controversial act.