In April 2025, Murshidabad district in West Bengal became the epicenter of a tense and volatile situation following amendments to the Waqf Act by the central government. The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 introduced sweeping changes to the management and transparency of waqf properties—endowments made by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes. While the government asserted that the move was aimed at reducing corruption and improving oversight, certain factions perceived it as an infringement on religious autonomy, sparking intense protests in several Muslim-majority areas, especially Murshidabad.
What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated into communal clashes, particularly targeting the local Hindu community. Over three days, violent mobs torched houses, vandalized shops, and reportedly killed at least three individuals. The sudden eruption of violence caught local law enforcement off-guard, forcing the imposition of Section 144 (which prohibits public gatherings) and a complete internet shutdown in multiple blocks of Murshidabad.
Videos and testimonies surfaced on social media, depicting arson, looting, and attacks on temples. As tensions intensified, the Calcutta High Court intervened, directing the West Bengal government to restore order and ensure the safety of all communities. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was established to probe the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Political responses were polarized. The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal accused the central government of stoking religious tensions through its "unilateral" amendments. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded accountability from the state government for the breakdown in law and order.
The Waqf Act amendment remains a contentious issue. Critics argue that the changes threaten religious freedoms and community-led land management, while supporters claim the reforms are necessary to eliminate misuse of waqf properties, often valued in billions of rupees. Civil society organizations have called for an independent review of the Act and more inclusive consultation processes.
Murshidabad’s violence underscores the fragile communal harmony in regions with mixed demographics, especially when policy changes are perceived through religious lenses. The episode serves as a stark reminder of how deeply entrenched religious identities are in Indian socio-political life and how legislation, even if well-intended, must be handled with sensitivity and broader consensus.