Violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district during recent anti-Waqf protests has taken a grim turn, with preliminary investigations suggesting the involvement of suspected miscreants from across the Bangladesh border. The Union Home Ministry is reportedly in possession of an initial intelligence brief pointing to possible cross-border instigation in the flare-up.

Three individuals have died as a result of the clashes and subsequent arson that gripped the area earlier this week. Hundreds of homes and shops were damaged or torched, forcing many residents to flee. Over 200 arrests have been made so far, though tensions remain high and the local population continues to live in fear.

The unrest was not confined to Murshidabad alone. On Sunday, violence broke out in the Bhangar area of South 24 Parganas district as supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) reportedly clashed with police during a protest rally. What began as a demonstration quickly escalated into a street battle.

Viral videos from the Bhangar clashes showed dramatic scenes: police motorbikes set ablaze, a police bus overturned with its windows shattered, and a heavy deployment of riot control forces trying to contain the chaos. Protesters were seen hurling stones and makeshift weapons, while police responded with lathi charges and tear gas.

Security agencies are now investigating whether the violence in both districts is connected and if external elements are coordinating efforts to destabilize the region. Intelligence officials have flagged concerns over growing radicalisation and the exploitation of religious grievances for political mobilization.

With both districts bordering Bangladesh and having a history of communal sensitivity, central and state authorities are on high alert. Additional paramilitary forces have been deployed, and a high-level meeting is expected to take place this week to review the situation.

Violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district during recent anti-Waqf protests has taken a grim turn, with preliminary investigations suggesting the involvement of suspected miscreants from across the Bangladesh border. The Union Home Ministry is reportedly in possession of an initial intelligence brief pointing to possible cross-border instigation in the flare-up.

Three individuals have died as a result of the clashes and subsequent arson that gripped the area earlier this week. Hundreds of homes and shops were damaged or torched, forcing many residents to flee. Over 200 arrests have been made so far, though tensions remain high and the local population continues to live in fear.

The unrest was not confined to Murshidabad alone. On Sunday, violence broke out in the Bhangar area of South 24 Parganas district as supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) reportedly clashed with police during a protest rally. What began as a demonstration quickly escalated into a street battle.

Viral videos from the Bhangar clashes showed dramatic scenes: police motorbikes set ablaze, a police bus overturned with its windows shattered, and a heavy deployment of riot control forces trying to contain the chaos. Protesters were seen hurling stones and makeshift weapons, while police responded with lathi charges and tear gas.

Security agencies are now investigating whether the violence in both districts is connected and if external elements are coordinating efforts to destabilize the region. Intelligence officials have flagged concerns over growing radicalisation and the exploitation of religious grievances for political mobilization.

With both districts bordering Bangladesh and having a history of communal sensitivity, central and state authorities are on high alert. Additional paramilitary forces have been deployed, and a high-level meeting is expected to take place this week to review the situation.