KOLKATA: Violent protests against the Waqf Act in Murshidabad, West Bengal claimed three lives and left several injured. Among the dead were a father and son, who were found hacked to death in their house in Samsarganj. Their house was looted by the attackers. Another person was found shot dead in Dhulian, Samsarganj. Several others were injured in the violence.

Police have arrested 118 people in connection with the clashes. Internet services have been suspended in areas like Jangipur, where the situation escalated. The BSF has been deployed alongside the police to ensure law and order. Officials stated that the situation is currently under control. Searches are being carried out in districts such as Malda, Hooghly, and South 24 Parganas to locate those responsible. During Friday’s unrest, protesters set fire to a police vehicle in Jangipur, Murshidabad. The office of Trinamool Congress MP Khalilur Rahaman was also vandalized.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the Waqf Act enforced by the central government will not be implemented in West Bengal. She appealed for peace in Murshidabad, where the protests against the Act have intensified. Mamata also stated that the Trinamool Congress and the state government do not support the Waqf Act.