Calcutta High Court Takes Action Amid Violence in Murshidabad: Central Forces Deployed

Court Orders Central Forces to Restore Peace in Murshidabad

Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has mandated the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in Murshidabad district, which has recently experienced violence linked to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The court emphasized the necessity of ensuring citizens' safety and maintaining order in the area.

The clashes have resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, with over 100 arrests made in connection to the unrest.

A division bench led by Justice Soumen Sen directed that CAPF be stationed in the affected regions of Murshidabad to help restore normalcy, working in conjunction with local authorities.

The court has also requested comprehensive reports from both the state and central governments regarding the situation.

Further hearings are set for April 17.

A special bench, including Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury, was formed by the Chief Justice to address a petition from Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, who called for the central forces' deployment in the district.

According to the state lawyer, seven companies of the BSF have been dispatched to the troubled areas of Suti, Dhuliyan, and Samserganj.

However, Adhikari's legal representative claimed that the BSF's deployment was inadequate to manage the situation effectively.

The bench convened on a court holiday to address the urgent nature of the petition.

The petitioner also requested that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigate the incidents of violence and arson in Murshidabad.

Kalyan Banerjee, representing the state, argued that the situation was under control and that police forces were adequately addressing the unrest.

He opposed Adhikari's request, asserting that senior officers and a significant police presence were already in place in the affected areas, and mentioned that the DGP was en route to Murshidabad.

Banerjee further suggested that the petition was politically motivated, given its origin from Adhikari and another individual associated with the opposition BJP.

Following the court's order, Adhikari expressed his appreciation for the judiciary's prompt action in ensuring the safety of lives and property.

"The judiciary is acting in accordance with the Constitution," he remarked.

Governor CV Ananda Bose also praised the Calcutta High Court's decision to deploy CAPF in the violence-affected regions of Murshidabad.

"I have been informed about the deployment of CAPF in the riot-affected areas of Bengal, including Murshidabad. I am pleased that the Calcutta High Court intervened and made a timely decision," the Governor stated in a video message from Raj Bhavan.

Bose added, "Upon learning of the riots, I immediately contacted the relevant authorities in both the Government of India and the state government. I also engaged in discussions with various political party members regarding the situation."