A surge of violent unrest over Waqf property disputes has left three people dead and dozens injured in West Bengal, drawing judicial attention and prompting the Calcutta High Court to order the immediate deployment of central forces across all districts. The escalating tensions come amid widespread allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and political interference in the administration of Waqf lands.
The epicenters of the violence were Bhangar in South 24 Parganas and Chopra in North Dinajpur—regions with a history of protest over land rights and minority issues. Protesters took to the streets in large numbers, demanding transparency and justice in how Waqf properties are managed. These lands, intended for religious and charitable purposes within the Muslim community, have allegedly been subject to unauthorized leasing and sale by individuals linked to political parties and Waqf board officials.
On what was meant to be a day of peaceful demonstrations, tensions escalated quickly. Eyewitnesses described chaos as police forces attempted to break up crowds using batons and tear gas. Protesters retaliated with bricks, stones, and in some cases, crude incendiary devices. In the ensuing clashes, three people lost their lives—two reportedly due to bullet injuries. Their identities have been confirmed, and their deaths have sparked an outpouring of grief and anger.
The Calcutta High Court took immediate note of the violence, slamming the State Election Commission (SEC) for its failure to act swiftly and for not recognizing the potential for unrest despite prior warnings. In a strongly worded directive, the court ordered the deployment of central paramilitary forces in all districts within 48 hours, ensuring the security of the upcoming panchayat elections.
The court’s ruling also required the SEC to conduct a thorough assessment of all polling booths, particularly identifying “sensitive” and “vulnerable” ones that need special protection. It directed that central forces, not state police, be posted in such areas, citing the state’s inadequate response during the initial outbreak of violence.
Political fallout has been immediate. Opposition parties, including the BJP and Congress, accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of creating a climate of impunity by allowing the politicization of Waqf boards and mishandling public grievances. The TMC, while condemning the violence, has called for peace and ordered an internal probe into the Waqf land deals under scrutiny.
As the families of the deceased prepare for funerals, many across the state are left asking: how did a dispute over land meant for charity descend into fatal violence? And will the court-ordered intervention be enough to prevent further bloodshed?