In Murshidabad district’s Jafrabad on Saturday morning, assailants stormed the home of medical store owner Hargobinda Das (60) and his son Chandan Das (45).
According to the family, the attackers intended to loot the residence but instead hacked both men, who later died en route to the hospital. The incident occurred under Shamsherganj police jurisdiction.
Third Victim Succumbs to Gunshot Wound
A young man, wounded by a bullet during the same unrest, died on Saturday after being hospitalized. Authorities linked all three deaths to the ongoing protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
Arrests and Security Deployment
Police have detained 138 individuals so far in connection with the violence, officials told News18. Despite tensions in Nimtita, Shamsherganj, Jangipur, Suti, and Jafrabad, Railway Police Force and Border Security Force units remain deployed, and authorities maintain the situation is under control.
State Assures Strict Action
West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar condemned the violence, stating, “Any kind of hooliganism will not be tolerated. We are dealing with the situation very strongly. It is our responsibility to protect human life.” He plans to visit Shamsherganj Saturday evening, the state government informed the Calcutta High Court.
Calcutta High Court Orders Central Forces
In response to a plea by opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari, the Calcutta High Court directed deployment of central forces in violence-hit Murshidabad, noting the need to address communal unrest promptly.
Political Reactions Intensify
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reaffirmed her opposition to the , urging calm:
“Every human life is precious, do not incite riots for the sake of politics… The law was made by the central government. So the answer you want should be sought from the central government.”
Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar accused the state government of inaction:
“Hindus are being attacked… The BJP would end vandalism and goondaism by a section of minorities within five minutes if voted to power.”
Majumdar suggested the violence aimed to distract from protests over the cancellation of 26,000 school teaching jobs.
Centre-State High-Level Talks
Amid the unrest, the Union Home Secretary convened a video conference with West Bengal’s Chief Secretary and DGP. The Ministry of Home Affairs stated the situation, though tense, remains monitored. Over 150 arrests have been made, and five additional BSF companies have been deployed to bolster the nearly 300 personnel already in Murshidabad. The Centre pledged further assistance if required.