West Bengal was rocked by violent protests this week over alleged irregularities in the management of Waqf properties, leaving three individuals dead and dozens injured. As public anger flared and violence spread across districts, the Calcutta High Court stepped in with a firm directive—ordering the deployment of central forces throughout the state to restore order and ensure free and fair upcoming elections.
The unrest began with demonstrations in Bhangar (South 24 Parganas) and Chopra (North Dinajpur), where local residents and activists accused Waqf board officials of facilitating illegal sales and leasing of community lands meant for charitable and religious purposes. The protestors alleged that decades of political interference had rendered the Waqf board opaque and unaccountable.
Initially peaceful, the demonstrations escalated after confrontations with local police. Law enforcement personnel attempted to disperse crowds with baton charges and tear gas, but matters quickly spiraled out of control. Clashes turned deadly, with three civilians—reportedly including a student and a small business owner—killed in the crossfire. Eyewitnesses reported that police opened fire after being attacked with stones and sticks.
Amid mounting tensions and a rapidly deteriorating law-and-order situation, the Calcutta High Court took suo motu cognizance and issued strong directives. The court ordered the State Election Commission (SEC) to deploy central forces across all districts within 48 hours and instructed that the number of personnel must exceed those used during the sensitive 2013 elections. It also called for a complete security audit of polling stations and ordered armed personnel to be posted at all “sensitive” locations.
The court expressed deep concern over the SEC’s delayed response and apparent unpreparedness, citing prior warnings about the likelihood of violence. Judges also criticized the lack of coordination between the state and central authorities, emphasizing that the priority must be the safety of citizens and the credibility of the electoral process.
Political fallout from the incident was swift. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of turning a blind eye to systemic Waqf corruption and of failing to protect minority interests. The TMC, in turn, accused the opposition of trying to polarize the issue along communal lines for electoral advantage.
Community leaders have now called for calm and urged the government to conduct a full audit of all Waqf assets in the state. Meanwhile, a judicial inquiry into the deaths has been ordered, and compensation has been promised to the victims’ families. As West Bengal braces for a tense election period, the deployment of central forces is expected to be a critical factor in maintaining peace and preventing further bloodshed.
