Bengal’s Waqf Controversy Sparks Deadly Riots: Judiciary Orders Central Security Amid Political Storm

Three people are dead, dozens injured, and an entire state is on edge as West Bengal reels from violent protests over the controversial handling of Waqf properties. The protests, fueled by long-standing grievances about corruption and mismanagement within the Waqf Board, erupted into full-scale riots in multiple districts, drawing urgent attention from both the public and judiciary.

The violence was most pronounced in Bhangar and Chopra, areas with significant Muslim populations and a long history of land-related tensions. Protestors alleged that community-owned Waqf land was being sold off to private developers with the backing of political powerbrokers. As allegations gained traction, thousands took to the streets demanding accountability, legal reforms, and the resignation of key Waqf board officials.

Police forces deployed in the area were quickly overwhelmed. What began as peaceful marches turned into violent clashes, with protestors setting vehicles ablaze and attacking police barricades. The police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and ultimately, live ammunition—leading to three confirmed deaths. The incident has caused widespread outrage and mourning across the state.

The Calcutta High Court acted swiftly in response. Citing the upcoming panchayat elections and the volatile security situation, the court ordered the State Election Commission (SEC) to deploy central paramilitary forces within 48 hours across all districts. Judges emphasized that the SEC must act decisively to prevent further violence and ensure that elections are conducted without fear or coercion.

In addition to ordering the deployment of central forces, the court demanded a full mapping of sensitive zones and immediate installation of surveillance infrastructure at high-risk polling stations. The ruling also called for enhanced coordination between state and central agencies, pointing to the failure of preventive intelligence and delayed crisis response by local authorities.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the violence but urged people not to allow “external forces” to destabilize the situation. She announced a special committee to investigate Waqf property disputes and assured compensation for victims’ families. However, opposition parties, particularly the BJP and the CPI(M), slammed the state government’s handling of both the Waqf system and the riots, calling for an independent probe into both the property dealings and the use of police force.

Civil society groups have also entered the fray, calling for the digitization and transparent audit of all Waqf land records across India, noting that Bengal is not the only state with such issues. As the dust settles, questions remain about how such a tragedy could occur—and what reforms are needed to prevent future ones.