Clashes erupt across Murshidabad, Hooghly, and South 24 Parganas over Waqf Amendment Act; railway services disrupted, security personnel attacked, and multiple injuries reported.
Kolkata | April 12, 2025 — Parts of West Bengal witnessed widespread violence and disruption on Friday as protests over the Waqf Amendment Act turned aggressive. Clashes between protesters and security personnel broke out in several districts, resulting in injuries, damaged public property, and significant disruption to transport services.
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In Murshidabad district, violence erupted at Nimtita railway station and Suti, where agitated protesters blocked railway tracks for several hours and vandalised railway infrastructure. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) resorted to lathicharge after stone-pelting by demonstrators injured some of its personnel. Later, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were deployed to stabilize the situation, which is now reportedly under control.
Simultaneously, violent scenes unfolded at the Sajur Crossing near Suti, where protesters hurled crude bombs and stones at police teams. Several police officers and bystanders sustained injuries, forcing the police to retaliate with baton charges.
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In South 24 Parganas’ Amtala, clashes with police impacted traffic flow on National Highway 117, while similar unrest was also reported from Champdani in Hooghly district.
Reacting to the unrest, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accused the state government of enabling “anarchy and lawlessness” under the guise of protests. “Public and private property is being destroyed. Innocent citizens are under threat while the administration remains passive,” Adhikari alleged.
Meanwhile, Governor CV Ananda Bose condemned the violence, confirming that his office had communicated with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, urging firm action. The Governor later issued a video message, stating that he had held a confidential meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on potential flashpoints of unrest.
“Nobody will be allowed to take the law into their own hands. The government is prepared and strict action will be taken,” said Governor Bose.
Authorities have stepped up deployment in sensitive areas, but tension remains high amid fears of further escalation.
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