The Calcutta High Court has ordered the continuation of central armed police force (CAPF) deployment in the riot-affected Murshidabad district of West Bengal until further notice. The order was issued on Thursday, May 15, 2025, by a division bench presided over by Justice Soumen Sen. The bench, which also included Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury, is scheduled to hear the matter again on July 31.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly. Adhikari had sought the deployment of central forces to manage the situation in Murshidabad and requested the transfer of violence-related cases to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The initial deployment of central forces, including the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), followed a Calcutta High Court order on April 12, 2025, in response to violent incidents that broke out in Murshidabad. These incidents stemmed from protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The violence included the torching and vandalizing of houses and shops across the Dhulian municipality and Tinpakuria Gram Panchayat areas.
The protests and violence in Murshidabad resulted in at least three deaths, numerous injuries, and significant property damage. Clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcement, with reports of vehicles being set on fire, National Highway 12 being blocked, and train services disrupted. Over 400 Hindus were reportedly displaced and sought refuge in neighboring Malda district. In response to the unrest, the state government suspended internet services, imposed Section 144 in the affected areas, and deployed additional police and central paramilitary forces. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was also formed by the West Bengal Police to investigate the matter.
Suvendu Adhikari has been a vocal advocate for the permanent deployment of central forces in the region. He claimed that the West Bengal government has consistently opposed the deployment and extension of the central forces' stay in Murshidabad. Adhikari also alleged that the state government wants the central forces to leave the area immediately, while people belonging to a specific voter base of the Trinamool Congress have perpetrated violence, including arson, vandalism, loot, and murder, across several locations. He stated that approximately 900 shops and houses were destroyed across these areas.
During a public address, Adhikari repeatedly questioned the audience about whether they preferred the state police or the central forces, with the crowd responding in favor of the latter. He emphasized that the affected people primarily desire safety and do not believe that the state police can adequately protect them.
The Calcutta High Court's decision to continue the deployment of central forces highlights the ongoing concerns regarding law and order in Murshidabad. The situation remains sensitive, and the court has scheduled a further hearing in July to reassess the need for continued central force presence.
