On April 11 and 12, protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, in Murshidabad district turned violent, leaving three people dead and h...
On April 11 and 12, protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, in Murshidabad district turned violent, leaving three people dead and hundreds homeless. Moyurie Som reports on the survivors and the communal fault lines that are deepening across West Bengal.
A shocking video has emerged capturing the final moments of a father-son duo killed in the Murshidabad riots. West Bengal police arrested a prime accused in the murder. Most affected families have returned, but some remain in relief camps. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea seeking a court-monitored SIT probe into the matter. Political parties are engaged in a fierce face-off over the issue, with the BJP demanding an NIA probe and claiming Hindus are under threat in Bengal.
The majority of people in the district, around 66.27%, are Muslims, who dominate rural areas. The violence, which reportedly targeted members of the local Hindu community, resulted in at least three deaths, dozens of injuries, and significant damage to property and infrastructure.
What is Waqf?
Waqf, derived from the Arabic word "waqufa," meaning "to detain" or "to hold," refers to a charitable endowment in Islamic law where a Muslim donates property for religious or charitable purposes. This property, once designated as waqf, cannot be sold, gifted, or inherited; instead, it remains dedicated for the specified purpose indefinitely. The income generated from the waqf property is then used for religious or charitable activities like building mosques, schools, or hospitals.
Key Features of Waqf:
- Irrevocable: Once designated, a waqf cannot be reversed.
- Inalienable: Waqf property cannot be sold, gifted, or inherited.
- Dedicated for Charity: The property is dedicated for religious or charitable purposes according to Islamic law.
- Ownership by God: Once dedicated as waqf, the property is deemed to be owned by God.
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