Kolkata, 15 April (H.S.) -Amid growing concerns over recent violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district linked to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called for a judicial inquiry under the supervision of a sitting judge of the Calcutta High Court. The party emphasized the need for an independent investigation to uncover the truth behind the clashes.

Addressing a press conference at the CPI(M) state headquarters in Kolkata on Tuesday, State Secretary Mohammed Salim alleged police inaction during the violence, which claimed the lives of three individuals. “The police failed to bring the situation under control despite the gravity of the violence. We demand a judicial probe led by a current judge of the Calcutta High Court,” Salim stated.

He also revealed that the party had filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the amended Waqf Act. “This is not an issue between two religious communities; rather, it is a matter of fundamental rights of the Muslim community, which are being curtailed through this law,” he asserted.

Salim further claimed that two victims of the violence, Hargobind Das and his son, were previously associated with the CPI(M), although they had withdrawn from active membership due to old age.

Criticizing both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), Salim accused them of promoting communal polarization for political gain. “Both parties are trying to divide society for their own vested interests,” he said.

The CPI(M)'s demand comes at a time when tensions continue to simmer in parts of Malda and Murshidabad following the violent incidents, prompting calls from multiple quarters for impartial investigation and accountability.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh