NEW DELHI: The West Bengal Police on Wednesday announced the formation of a nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the recent outbreak of violence in the minority-dominated Murshidabad district, where the protest against the Waqf Amendment Act, which has been going on for over a week, became violent.
The demonstrations, led by members of the Muslim community, escalated on April 11, turning violent and resulting in the deaths of a father and son, along with multiple injuries and significant property damage. One person was also reportedly killed in police firing.
In response to the situation, the Union ministry of home affairs has deployed nine companies, at least 900 personnel, of the Border Security Force in Murshidabad. Of these nine companies, 300 BSF personnel are locally available. This move came at the request of the state government.
Over 150 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence. Security presence has been intensified in sensitive areas such as Samserganj and Dhuliyan.
On Monday, the West Bengal police said that the situation in the violence-hit areas of Murshidabad was normal and urged people not to believe any rumours.
Additional Director General of Police, South Bengal Police, Supratim Sarkar said, “The situation is normal now. Everyone is safe. The CRPF, state police, and joint forces are deployed. The DGP of West Bengal police himself was present at the Samserganj police station. We request everyone not to go through rumours. We opened a control room. Anyone facing any issue can contact us at any time.”