Nawshad Siddique, the MLA of the Indian Secular Front. File
Nawshad Siddique, an MLA belonging to the Indian Secular Front (ISF), has been named in an FIR registered by the West Bengal police in relation to the recent violence in Bhangar. The total number of people arrested in relation to this incident has now climbed to 17.
Condemning the violence, Trinamool Congress MLA Saokat Molla from Bhangar had shared a video blaming the ISF workers for inciting protesters and attacking the police.
Also read | Violence in Murshidabad ‘pre-planned’, says West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
However, Mr. Siddique said that “unarmed and peaceful” protesters were arrested. “We abide by the law, but we will not let this slide,” Mr. Siddique said.
According to police sources, 12 of the accused were arrested from Uttar Kashipore Police Station area. Eight of the 12 were already in police custody on April 15, while four others were produced in court on Wednesday. One person was arrested from Chandaneswar Police Station area. The other four were nabbed in Hatishala Police Station area and were produced in court on Wednesday (April 16, 2025).
Till Tuesday the number of arrests stood at nine. Police are conducting elaborate search operations in all local areas to arrest more accused.
Violence had erupted in South 24 Parganas Bhangar on April 14 when anti-Waqf (Amendment) Act protests turned violent. Police vehicles were allegedly set on fire by ISF supporters at the protest site which led to further clashes.
The violence erupted at a protest gathering called by ISF leader Mr Siddique. After the ISF supporters were stopped from reaching the gathering, clashes started.
In Bhangar’s Sonepur bazaar area, a mob allegedly attacked police officers and set five police motorcycles and prison van on fire.
According to reports, the clashes left at least 16 police personnel injured.
On April 15, the remains of charred police van and bikes were removed from the streets of Bhangar as the area slowly limped back to normalcy.
Trinamool Congress MLA and observer Saokat Molla from Bhangar has shared a video blaming the ISF workers for inciting violence and attacking police and condemned the act. “I request the Kolkata Police Commissioner to arrest all those responsible as soon as possible and punish them,” Mr Molla said on Tuesday.
Mr Siddique added that their unarmed and peaceful protestors were arrested. “We abide by the law, but we will not let this slide,” Mr Siddique said.
Limping back to normalcy
Meanwhile, no fresh violence has been reported from Murshidabad which remained on the boil for several days as anti-Waqf (Amendment) Act protests rocked the Dhulian and Samsherganj areas. About 400 people fled to nearby Malda district to find refuge at a camp.
Amid the prevailing tensions, about 230 people have been arrested as Central Armed Police Forces keep constant watch.
As tension simmers, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a meeting with the Imams and Muezzins on Wednesday to discuss The Waqf (Amendment) Act, reiterating that the Act will not be implemented in the State.
Ms. Banerjee said that Imams and Muezzins have a responsibility to ensure that “no one gets enraged by what the BJP says” and called for peace and communal harmony in the State.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board’s (AIMPLB) April 26 gathering at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Grounds, initially cancelled on April 15 amid political and communal tensions, was reinstated on Wednesday.
Published – April 16, 2025 11:33 pm IST
