After Murshidabad, West Bengal witnessed another wave of violence—this time in South 24 Parganas—where clashes broke out between Indian Secular Front (ISF) supporters and the police during a protest against the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act.

The unrest unfolded in Bhangar on Monday, where ISF workers allegedly set police vehicles ablaze and injured several officers, according to PTI. Tension flared when a large crowd marching towards Kolkata’s Ramlila Maidan was intercepted by police at Bhojerhat on the Basanti Highway. Protestors from Bhangar, Minakhan, and Sandeshkhali had converged for the rally led by ISF leader and MLA Naushad Siddique.

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Police sources said the crowd tried to force its way past barricades, triggering violent confrontations. “Some police vehicles were torched, and officers were attacked,” a senior official confirmed. ISF supporters blocked the highway, bringing traffic to a halt. Authorities deployed a heavy police force to regain control, eventually dispersing the protestors and issuing a high alert in surrounding areas.

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The rally at Ramlila Maidan went ahead despite the chaos. Eyewitnesses reported police using lathi-charges to disperse the crowd, citing the absence of proper permissions for the event. Siddique, however, did address the gathering, calling the Waqf Act “an attack on both Muslims and the Constitution” and demanding its repeal.

He accused the BJP of fuelling communal unrest and slammed the ruling Trinamool Congress for attempting to muzzle dissent. “The CM says the Waqf Act won’t be implemented in Bengal. Then why stop our rally? Is the right to protest reserved only for TMC?” he questioned.

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Meanwhile, communal violence that began last week in Murshidabad districts like Suti, Dhulian, and Jangipur has left three people dead. Visuals from Samserganj showed charred shops, homes, and hotels. Over 400 Hindus reportedly fled the area, crossing the Bhagirathi River to reach Malda for safety.