Nine Detained Amid Waqf Act Protests in West Bengal
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Synopsis
On April 15, Kolkata Police reported the arrest of nine individuals due to violence surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Act in West Bengal. The unrest occurred in Bhangar, where AISF activists protested against being barred from reaching a rally in Kolkata.
Key Takeaways
- Nine arrests made following violent protests.
- Activists from AISF clashed with police.
- Protests centered on the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
- Police logged five cases in relation to the events.
- Significant police presence remains in Bhangar.
Kolkata, April 15 (NationPress) Nine individuals were apprehended due to violence related to the Waqf (Amendment) Act in West Bengal, as confirmed by the Kolkata Police on Tuesday.
The police reported that the arrests stemmed from unrest in Bhangar, located in the South 24 Parganas district, on Monday.
The disturbances were incited by activists from the All India Secular Front (AISF) when they were prevented from making their way to Kolkata to join a rally opposing the Waqf Act, according to police sources.
In response to the incidents, police officials have logged five separate cases related to the events.
AISF members obstructed the Basanti Highway during their demonstrations, escalating tensions as law enforcement attempted to clear the roadblocks. During the ensuing chaos, AISF supporters set fire to five police motorcycles.
Additionally, they alleged that a police vehicle and a prison van also faced vandalism.
Police operations commenced on Monday evening, involving raids to locate those responsible for the disruptions. Following an extensive night of searches, nine individuals were taken into custody.
"Several other persons implicated in the destruction are currently evading capture, and our efforts to locate them are ongoing. The arrested individuals face charges of public property destruction," a police representative stated.
He noted that the situation in Bhangar is entirely under control and calm as of Tuesday afternoon. Nonetheless, authorities are continuously advising residents to disregard attempts by certain groups to circulate misinformation. A significant police presence remains in Bhangar and will persist for the foreseeable future.
Recently, Bhangar, a region historically plagued by political conflicts since the earlier Left Front administration, was reassigned from the South 24 Parganas district police to the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Police to better manage law and order.
