In a detailed report submitted to the High Court, the West Bengal government has revealed that the police faced a violent mob of nearly 10,000 people during protests over the amended Waqf law last week. The unrest began on April 4 and escalated significantly by April 11 in Jangipur, Murshidabad district.
According to the 34-page report accessed by NDTV, the mob was heavily armed, prompting the police to conduct rescue operations for their own personnel. The violence, which lasted for three days, resulted in the deaths of three individuals.
The crowd initially gathered at the PWD ground in Murshidabad, swelling to approximately 8,000–10,000 people. A group of around 5,000 then marched towards Umarpur, blocking the National Highway and turning violent. Protesters reportedly hurled bricks and stones at police officers while shouting abuses.
In the ensuing chaos, a pitched battle broke out. The mob attacked the police using wooden staves, sickles (locally known as hasua), and iron rods. A particularly alarming incident involved the snatching of a loaded Glock pistol containing 10 rounds from the Sub-Divisional Police Officer.
To contain the situation, police forces deployed 142 rounds of rubber bullets, 10 tear gas shells, 40 stun shells, and 9 smoke bombs.
The violence spread further on April 12 when another mob assembled near Kanchantala Masjid and reportedly attempted to vandalize homes of Hindu families in Ghoshpara. Two individuals were killed in Jafrabad during the rampage. So far, authorities have registered 60 FIRs in connection with the incidents.