West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose drew up the programme for the visitation of the Murshidabad district that had already suffered much from communal violence that erupted as a consequence of the protests against the coming into effect of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Stressing the urgency of restoring peace, he said: “Peace must be restored, and it will be at any cost,” showing his determination to try to bring about justice in the violence-scarred district.
Background of the Violence
The Murshidabad violence began in early April 2025 due to mass protests by Muslim groups against the Waqf Amendment Act. Initially peaceful protests had turned into violent clashes during April 8-12, where mobs blocked National Highway 12, torched police vehicles, vandalized governmental offices, and disrupted train services. The clashes soon took a communal turn, with the attacks now being directed primarily at Hindu families and establishments in the district, which is predominantly Muslim.
Targeted Attacks and Impact on Hindu Community
Reports disclose that the attackers used black ink to mark the Hindu houses for premeditated vandalism and arson. Mobs in Suti and Samserganj carried out their rampage after Friday prayers, attacking Hindu businesses, including sweet shops and hotels, and desecrating temples. Eyewitnesses recounted gruesome scenes; families were forced into hiding on roof-tops while many fled by boats across the Bhagirathi River, some seeking refuge in the bordering Malda district.
Manju Bhagat, a wife of a Hindu trader, narrated how attackers attempted to enter her house and loot her valuables while her family prayed for their lives. An ambulance that had entered the area during the violence was set ablaze after its driver was attacked; all these point to lawlessness during the riots.
Casualties and Law Enforcement Response
The violence resulted in the death of three persons: two Hindus, namely Harogobindo Das and his son Chandan Das, who were murdered in a mob lynching, while a Muslim was killed in police firing during protest control measures. Riots elicited the arrest of over 274 suspects, as police and paramilitary forces were engaged to restore law and order, including the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The West Bengal police increased the number of Special Investigation Teams (SITs) to nine for investigations into the happenings and identification of the offenders. The deployment of central forces was ordered by the Calcutta High Court, and subsequently, 17 companies of paramilitary personnel were deployed in the district.
Governor’s Visit and Assurance to Victims
The affected areas were visited by Governor CV Ananda Bose, who met families of victims including the Das family. He assured them justice as well as to bring their demands for heightened security measures such as BSF postings in sensitive localities to the notice of the requisite authorities. Bose encouraged victims to reach out to the Raj Bhavan directly through a dedicated helpline and assured forthcoming actions towards restoring peace.
Political Reactions and Communal Tensions
The ensuing violence served to exacerbate the political undercurrents in West Bengal. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, blamed the BJP and central agencies for instigating violence through facilitating infiltration from across the border of Bangladesh. Banerjee has called the violence “pre-planned”, demanding an investigation into the role of the BSF and other forces.
On the contrary, BJP leaders alleged that Hindu families were specifically targeted and watched before the attacks, accusing the state government of facilitating demographic changes for political gain. The VHP and Bajrang Dal protested across the country in condemnation of the state’s handling of the situation and demanded protection for Hindus.
Misinformation Amidst the Crisis
Amidst the ruckus, some fake communal narratives took the international social media platform, which most notably included the claim going viral that a Hindu family was slaughtered by Rohingya Muslims in Murshidabad. Fact-checking nearly cleared the air around this 2019 triple murder that is said to have nothing to do with communal violence. The cold hard facts remain that the whole affair was the outcome of a financial dispute, which sheds more light as to the cause of misinformation thereby only serving to up communal tensions.
Humanitarian Concerns and Ongoing Challenges
Thousands of families of Hindus are still dislocated; they have to run out of their homes, places, shops, and worship. Their impacts on the people, the social fiber, are high against the backdrop of the Murshidabad district, historically known for its communal peacefulness. Barnali Chatterjee, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), stated that this deep violence would be termed “horrific and unacceptable” and pledged to place its findings before the central government to advocate for victims’ rights.
Conclusion
The Murshidabad violence of April 2025 represents perhaps the most entrenched of communal crises seen in these times, with considerable loss of life, property, and social trust. Governor CV Ananda Bose’s visit and firmness with which he wished to restore peace “at any cost” serve as major steps towards the healing of this community that has been ravaged. Unfortunately, the road to lasting peace would depend on collaborative measures from both state and central governments, law enforcement, and community leaders to ensure justice, fight back misinformation, and rebuild confidence in this sensitive border district.
About Author
Syeda Ayesha is a passionate 3rd year BBA LLB student at Sultan-Ul-Uloom College of Law in Hyderabad, with a special interest in criminal law and family law. She has built her academic journey on a solid foundation of legal principles, progressing from basic to advanced levels, and is eager to apply this knowledge in practice. Determined to gain practical experience, she is committed to learning more about the law. Ayesha is excited about the opportunity to work in a dynamic legal environment, which she sees as a valuable avenue for both personal and professional growth.