West Bengal plunged into chaos this week as protests over the management of Waqf properties turned violent, resulting in the death of three individuals and widespread unrest across several districts. What began as localized demonstrations soon escalated into confrontations with law enforcement, particularly in Bhangar in South 24 Parganas and Chopra in North Dinajpur, prompting a swift judicial intervention.
The demonstrators, reportedly mobilized by local community leaders and religious groups, demanded transparency in the administration of Waqf lands—endowments made by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes. Allegations of illegal encroachment, misappropriation, and inadequate government oversight fanned the flames of discontent. Protesters took to the streets with placards and slogans, but tensions quickly spiraled into chaos, with clashes between angry mobs and police resulting in gunfire and the deaths of three individuals.
The situation intensified when visuals of violence spread across social media, amplifying fears of further escalation. Videos showed burning tires, barricades being erected by protestors, and tear gas being used to disperse unruly crowds. Shops shuttered, public transport came to a halt, and schools in affected areas were closed indefinitely.
In a decisive move, the Calcutta High Court stepped in, taking suo motu cognizance of the violence and demanding accountability from the State Election Commission (SEC). The court directed the SEC to deploy central paramilitary forces across all districts within 48 hours, especially in regions identified as sensitive ahead of the upcoming panchayat elections. The judges also ordered that the number of personnel be greater than those deployed in the 2013 elections, citing growing public insecurity.
This judicial directive came amidst criticism of the SEC’s delay in seeking help from central agencies despite intelligence warnings. The court also demanded a list of all polling booths considered “sensitive” and ordered the SEC to provide full security coverage, including static forces at each location.
The state government, while initially reluctant, has now complied with the court’s order, confirming that central forces will arrive in multiple phases and will remain stationed until the conclusion of the elections. Meanwhile, political parties have weighed in, with the opposition accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress of politicizing Waqf boards and fueling communal tensions for electoral gain.
Social activists and legal experts have called for urgent reforms in the management of Waqf properties in West Bengal, one of the states with the largest volume of such endowments in India. As investigations continue, the families of the deceased demand justice, while citizens wait anxiously for peace to return to their neighborhoods.