NHRC Probes Murshidabad Rights Violations Amid Waqf Act Protests

New Delhi, April 15: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday decided to send a team to West Bengal's Murshidabad to inquire into rights violation in the troubled district due to violent protests against the Waqf Act, 2025.

Key Points

NHRC launches investigation into Murshidabad communal violence

Two victims murdered amid protests against Waqf Act

Over 200 arrests made in district

Taking note of a complaint received by the Commission, an NHRC Bench presided over by its member Priyank Kanoongo took cognisance, in terms of Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, in the matter.

"Given the seriousness of the matter, the Director General (Investigation), NHRC, is directed to assign a team of officers from the Investigation Division of the Commission to conduct an on-spot inquiry at Murshidabad, West Bengal. The inquiry report should be submitted to the Commission within a period of three weeks," Kanoongo said, expressing his intention to accompany the team.

The NHRC Bench's order said the present complaint pertains to various social media news articles highlighting the alleged murder of two named victims (father and son) due to the ongoing protest against the Waqf Act.

The complainant alleged that goons from the Muslim community have been on an attacking spree, targeting men and women from the Hindu community and their properties.

The complaint accused lack of action by the police of Murshidabad District, leading to the mass exodus of Hindu people from the region.

The complainant also alleged that Muslim individuals were further seen chasing trucks that were carrying members of the Hindu community, who were trying to escape the violence.

Furthermore, Hindu shops were looted and vandalised by the goons, and they were seen shouting and attacking people escaping in their private vehicles.

In another development earlier in the day, two persons were arrested in connection with the murder of Hargobindo Das and his son Chandan Das, at Samserganj in Murshidabad district of West Bengal last week.

The murder of the father and son took place when the entire district was on the boil after protests against the newly promulgated Waqf (Amendment) Act turned violent.

The personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces and the state police have continued with their route marches, aiming to instil confidence among the people.

Internet services continued to be suspended in the troubled pockets of Murshidabad as well as in certain pockets of neighbouring Malda and Birbhum districts.

The total number of arrests in connection with the violence and vandalism at Murshidabad has already crossed 200.

Reader Comments

Rahul S.

Finally some action being taken! The situation in Murshidabad has been terrifying for weeks. Hope the NHRC team can bring some justice to the victims. 🙏

Priya M.

While I appreciate NHRC stepping in, I wish they'd acted sooner. The exodus of Hindu families is heartbreaking. How did things escalate to this point without intervention?

Amit K.

This is exactly why we need strong human rights institutions. No community should live in fear like this. Hope the investigation is thorough and impartial.

Sunita R.

The article seems one-sided. Where are the voices from the Muslim community about why these protests began? Violence is never okay, but context matters.

Vikram P.

200 arrests already shows the scale of this tragedy. Hope the NHRC report leads to better policies to prevent such situations in future.

Neha T.

The murder of that father and son is just horrific 😢 No political or religious cause justifies such brutality. Hope their family gets justice soon.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.