Murshidabad Violence: BJP Slams TMC MP for Threats, Police Maintain Situation Under Control

Amid ongoing tensions in Murshidabad, West Bengal BJP president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Monday strongly criticized Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Bapi Halder for issuing a violent threat, vowing to “gouge out eyes and break limbs” of those attempting to seize Waqf properties. Majumdar also condemned the state police for failing to take action against the MP.

Since Friday afternoon, at least three people have died and several others have been injured in violence across Suti, Dhulian, Samserganj, and Jangipura. Eighteen police personnel were also injured during the clashes and are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals. No fresh incidents were reported on Monday.

Majumdar accused the protesters of being “fanatical, fundamentalist jihadi groups” and claimed they were targeting Hindus under the pretext of opposing the Waqf Amendment Act. He alleged that petrol bombs were hurled at BSF personnel, adding, “Who is backing them? This TMC MP is making it clear!”

In a controversial statement, Bapi Halder said, “If anyone dares to eye Waqf properties, gouge out their eyes and break their hands.” He also declared that ancestral properties were not the sole right of any individual: “Till CM Mamata Banerjee is here, the responsibility of your ancestral assets is ours too—it is not anyone’s father’s property.”

Majumdar shared a video of Halder’s remarks on X (formerly Twitter), calling the threat “terrifying” and questioning the police’s inaction. “What has the crippled, cowardly @WBPolice done against this individual for inciting brutal violence against innocent Hindus?” he wrote.

He further accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of failing to protect citizens, stating, “The innocent Hindus of Bengal know the truth. Admit it, Honorable failed CM @MamataOfficial—the responsibility for this barbarism lies with you and your incompetent administration.”

Authorities: Situation Now Under Control

Police officials confirmed that the situation in Murshidabad has stabilized, with no reports of further unrest. As of Saturday, 180 people had been arrested in connection with the violence. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remain in effect in the affected areas, while internet services continue to be suspended.

Security forces are maintaining vigilance with ongoing vehicle checks on major roads. Officials added that hundreds of people displaced by the communal violence have crossed the Bhagirathi River into neighboring Malda, where the local administration has set up shelters and arranged food and accommodation. Volunteers have also been deployed to assist those arriving by boat.