Synopsis
The Calcutta High Court has mandated the immediate deployment of CAPF in Murshidabad, West Bengal, amidst escalating violence over the Waqf (Amendment) Act protests, resulting in three fatalities.Key Takeaways
- The Calcutta HC ordered CAPF deployment in Murshidabad.
- Protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act have turned violent.
- Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari requested the deployment.
- CAPF personnel are primarily from the BSF.
- Violence has resulted in multiple fatalities.
Kolkata, April 12 (NationPress) The Calcutta High Court has issued a directive for the swift deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the minority-majority district of Murshidabad, West Bengal, where tensions are escalating as demonstrations against the Waqf (Amendment) Act have turned violent, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals.
Earlier on the same day, Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, approached the Calcutta High Court requesting CAPF deployment in Murshidabad, citing the inability of the state police to manage the unrest.
A special bench, comprising Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury, was formed to address this urgent matter. Following a comprehensive hearing, the bench ordered the immediate deployment of CAPF personnel in Murshidabad.
In his petition, Adhikari had requested CAPF presence across four districts: Murshidabad, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, and Kolkata. However, after careful deliberation, the bench decided to authorize deployment solely in Murshidabad.
Reports indicate that CAPF members, primarily from the Border Security Force (BSF), are already stationed in the most affected areas of Murshidabad, such as Suti, Samserganj, and Dhulian. The recent court order will expand their presence throughout the district.
During the proceedings, the opposition's counsel accused the state library services minister, Siddiqulla Chowdhury, of inciting violence with his inflammatory speeches. He also claimed that the BSF personnel presently deployed in Murshidabad are not being effectively utilized by the local authorities.
In response, the state government’s counsel and four-term Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Kalyan Banerjee argued that while the petition was politically motivated, the state did not oppose CAPF deployment in principle.
The special bench underscored the seriousness of the complaints regarding the violence, stating that the court could not remain passive in the face of such grave issues.
Expressing his approval of the Calcutta High Court's ruling, Amit Malviya, head of the BJP's Information Technology cell and the party's special observer for West Bengal, remarked that the failure of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the West Bengal Police to protect the citizens is deeply embarrassing.
“This situation should be profoundly shameful for Mamata Banerjee, yet she will likely act as if nothing has occurred and continue planning for the next riot. A disgraceful display from a Chief Minister,” Malviya's statement concluded.
