Amid a highly tensed atmosphere, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose left for Malda and Murshidabad from Kolkata on Friday. Bose boarded a train to Malda from Sealdah Railway Station on Friday morning to visit areas affected by recent violence during protests over the Waqf Amendment Act in the State.

National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar arrived in Kolkata on Thursday evening to lead an inquiry into the recent violence in Murshidabad following protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025.

The visits come in the wake of violence that erupted on April 11 during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which resulted in the deaths of three people, injuries to several others, and widespread property damage. Several families have been displaced, with many migrating to Jharkhand’s Pakur district, while others have taken refuge in relief camps set up in Malda. According to West Bengal police, 70% of the shops in violence prone areas have opened, and 85 people have already returned home.

Bengal Governor refuses to listen to CM’s appeal

The Governor has refused to listen to Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s appeal to avoid visiting strife-torn Murshidabad immediately. On Thursday, the Governor announced that he would reach the violence affected areas within 24 hours.

“I want to go to Murshidabad, What transpired there is shocking. Such instances should never have happened. I want a reality check on the field. Peace must be restored – and it will be, at any cost,” Mr Bose told the media.

On Thursday, the Calcutta High Court heard a petition seeking an extension of the central forces’ deployment in Murshidabad and the transfer of the probe to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The state submitted a report outlining an escalation of violence during anti-Waqf Act protests, stating that both civilians and police were attacked by mobs wielding deadly weapons.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar to visit Malda and Murshidabad

NCW Chairperson Rahatkar, who is part of the probe committee constituted by the NCW, will visit affected areas, including Malda and Murshidabad, over the next three days.

“The NCW Chairperson has taken suo motu cognizance of a deeply disturbing report from Murshidabad, West Bengal, where several women were reportedly molested amid communal violence, triggering the exodus of hundreds of women. The Chairperson has also constituted an Inquiry Committee to investigate the incident,” National Commission for Women said in a statement.

Meanwhile, a team from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is set to visit a refugee camp in Malda on Friday. In Malda district, which is adjacent to Murshidabad, displaced residents are struggling with severe shortage of essential medicines amid other inconveniences.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar: The situation is very concerning

While speaking to the local media in Kolkata, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said the purpose of her visit is to boost the morale of women who have been left traumatised by the communal unrest. The NCW team plans to interact directly with the victims, document their experiences, and recommend necessary protection and rehabilitation measures to the authorities.

“I have learned from media reports that almost 800 homes over there (in Murshidabad) have been locked, the women are living in fear and feeling insecure. The NCW has formed a panel to investigate the situation. I am going to West Bengal to meet the local women who are victims and talk to them to learn about their condition. I will visit both Malda and Murshidabad. The situation is very concerning over there; we need to learn about how the local women are living,” NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar told ANI.

Murshidabad – Over 270 arrested, 60 FIRs lodged

The West Bengal police said on Thursday that 60 FIRs have been lodged in connection with the violence in Murshidabad district and the number of arrests has climbed to more than 270. Additional Director General of Police (South Bengal) Supratim Sarkar said that a special investigation team has been formed which will be led by Syed Waquar Raza, DIG, Murshidabad range.

Meanwhile, the prime accused in the murder of a father and son at Jaffarabad in Murshidabad during the riots, Inzamul Haque has been arrested. He is accused of murdering father-son duo Haragobind Das and Chandan Das. The accused, who tried to flee has been caught from the Suti area of Murshidabad late on Wednesday and will be produced before a Court.

“According to our investigation, he was among those behind the brutal incidents of April 12. Not only that. He also attempted to hide evidence from the police. He cut off the electric supply to CCTV in the area and damaged evidence,” Mr. Sarkar said.

Earlier this week, police had arrested two brothers, Kalu Nawab and Dildar Nawab – also residents of the same locality – in connection with the crime. The officer informed that 278 people have been arrested across the district so far in connection with the riots. Sarkar said no fresh incidents of violence have been reported in the last four days, and that 85 families who had fled their homes have now returned. The ADG said that Samsherganj — one of the worst-hit areas — is also gradually returning to normal, with nearly 70 per cent of the shops reopened. “Jangipur is also peaceful and stable,” he noted.

Police is identifying every person who is directly or indirectly related to deaths in Murshidabad.