In response to the escalating violence in West Bengal, two separate petitions have been filed with the Supreme Court, each seeking a court-monitored investigation into the unrest triggered by the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act. The pleas come amidst ongoing disturbances in the state, particularly in the Bhangar area of South 24 Parganas district, where fresh incidents were reported on April 14.
The first petition, submitted by lawyer Shashank Shekhar Jha, urges the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly examine the incidents of violence. This plea highlights the need for an authoritative inquiry to ensure impartiality and effectiveness in addressing the law and order challenges.
The second petition, filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, proposes the formation of a five-member judicial inquiry commission, led by a former Supreme Court judge. This commission aims to conduct a deep and structured investigation into the nature and causes of the violence that has disrupted normal life in several parts of the state.
Both petitions have also called for immediate actions from the state government, including a comprehensive report on the incidents of violence and measures to protect the lives and properties of the populace. These legal actions follow a recent decision by the Calcutta High Court, which ordered the deployment of central forces in the particularly hard-hit district of Murshidabad.
The violence in Murshidabad, which occurred mainly in the areas of Suti, Samserganj, Dhulian, and Jangipur on April 11 and 12, resulted in at least three deaths and hundreds of people being displaced from their homes. These tragic events unfolded during protests against the newly enacted Waqf law, pointing to a deep-seated tension within the community over the legislative changes.
