Kolkata: Amidst the backdrop of protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, the once tranquil landscape of Murshidabad district in West Bengal has been marred by violence, leaving behind a trail of burnt vehicles and vandalized properties. The streets, now lined with skeletal remains of destruction, tell a tale of chaos and fear as residents recount the unexpected onslaught by an armed gang. The gang’s sudden appearance and threats against locals have highlighted the deep tension underlying the protests.
As the situation unfolded, security forces vigilantly patrolled the affected areas of Dhulian, Shamsherganj, and Suti on Sunday, with locals forced to stay indoors as shops remained shuttered. Locals in these areas recall the terrifying moment when hundreds of armed individuals emerged seemingly out of nowhere, vandalizing property and threatening residents under the guise of protesting the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
One of the most striking accounts comes from Suti, where the owner of a pharmacy described the worst violence he had witnessed in five decades. “A frenzied mob suddenly turned towards my shop, thrashed us, and started looting before we could even react,” he mentioned, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The unrest claimed the lives of a father-son duo, who were hacked to death by protesters in Jafrabad, Shamsherganj. These tragic events underscore the gravity of the violence that gripped parts of Murshidabad. On a more positive note, Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar confirmed that normalcy was returning, with no new incidents reported as the situation remained under control.
To mitigate further violence, prohibitory orders were imposed, and internet services were suspended in the affected areas. As of now, over 150 people have been arrested in connection with the disturbances. The protests also saw the destruction of several vehicles, stone-pelting, and road blockades, resulting in injuries to at least 18 policemen.
