Calcutta HC reserves order on central forces in violence-hit Murshidabad; TMC claims situation under control

NEW DELHI: The Calcutta high court on Thursday reserved its order on the continuation of the deployment of central armed police forces (CAPF) in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, which has recently seen violent clashes.

The court also suggested forming a three-member panel to visit the affected areas and oversee peace and rehabilitation efforts. The panel would include representatives from the national human rights commission, West Bengal state human rights commission, and the state legal services authority.

A division bench of justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury was hearing a petition filed by Suvendu Adhikari , leader of the opposition in the state Assembly. He alleged that bomb blasts took place during communal violence in the Muslim-majority district and requested that the investigation be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Another petitioner urged the court to direct the state government to help displaced people return to their homes.

The Centre's lawyer argued for extending the CAPF deployment, citing the district's sensitive situation. Currently, 17 companies of central forces are stationed in violence-hit areas, including Suti and Samserganj-Dhulian.

The court had earlier ordered their deployment last Saturday to restore peace.

The West Bengal government submitted a report claiming that the situation in Murshidabad is now under control and that some displaced families have returned home. However, the petitioner noted that several people remain in relief camps in the nearby Malda district following violence during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.