Over 110 people were arrested and dozens injured after police opened fire on peaceful protesters demonstrating against the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act in the Indian state of West Bengal. Clashes erupted in Murshidabad district following Friday prayers, where people had gathered to peacefully demonstrate against the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act. Police responded with firing tear gas shells and live bullets, triggering chaos and injuries. 

The clashes soon spread to other districts including Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly, where protestors blocked roads, hurled stones, and set several vehicles — including police vans — on fire. “Around 70 people were arrested from Suti, and 41 more from Samserganj in connection with the protests,” a senior police officer stated. He added that the situation in the violence-affected areas remains tense.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 have been imposed, and internet services have been suspended in several parts of the state to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, a teenage boy who was injured, allegedly in police firing during the Suti clashes, has been admitted to a hospital in Kolkata, police confirmed. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)