Violence broke out after rumours spread that a protester opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill had died due to a police lathi charge in West Bengal's Murshidabad on Tuesday. However, this claim was later found to be false. Despite this, people believed the rumour at the time, leading to angry sloganeering against the police and scuffles with officers. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, April 8, during a large protest rally in Jangipur, where protestors were demanding the withdrawal of the bill.
As the protest intensified, police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. In response, protesters vandalised several police vehicles and set them ablaze. According to reports, security deployment at Jangipur Ground was lower than usual due to police personnel being assigned elsewhere for Ram Navami-related duties. As the crowd grew unruly, the limited police force struggled to manage the situation. Several protesters moved toward the national highway and blocked the road.
During an attempt by police to clear the protest, a young man fell in the commotion. This incident sparked the rumour that the man had died from police action, further escalating tensions. Protesters then began widespread arson and vandalism.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the police administration suspended Internet services in affected areas. Section 163 of the BNSA was imposed in Raghunathganj and Suti to help restore order. Additional police forces were called in to regain control, and significant efforts were made to disperse the protesters.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly criticised the ruling Trinamool Congress over the incident. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, "Murshidabad is burning, @WBPolice is getting beaten up, and @MamataOfficial is busy playing the appeasement game! Her Shanti Vahini has turned into a violent mob, and her silence is complicity. This is not just a law and order failure—it's a total collapse of governance. The failed CM must step down immediately! Enough of protecting vote banks while the state suffers. As for the DM—pack his bags and send him straight to LBSNAA, Mussoorie. Maybe a refresher in "How to Handle Law & Order 101" will help. .
However, TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha denied such reports and said, "There is no riot or violence; maybe one or two isolated incidents occurred somewhere. This is not a day for showing strength but for displaying devotion..."