Kolkata: Fresh clashes erupted in West Bengal as members of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) staged a rally in Bhangar Parganas district, protesting against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The demonstration led to multiple injuries and the torching of several police vehicles.

The violence began when police intercepted ISF supporters en route to Ramlila Maidan in central Kolkata, where party leader and local legislator Naushad Siddique was scheduled to address the crowd. The rally was halted near Bhojerhat on the Basanti Highway, a location where a significant number of ISF workers had gathered from Bhangar and neighboring areas like Minakhan and Sandeshkhali.

Tensions escalated as the crowd attempted to breach police barricades, resulting in confrontations. “Some police vehicles were set on fire by the protesters and a few police personnel were injured when the agitators attacked the law enforcers,” a senior police officer stated.

Eyewitnesses reported that police used lathi-charge tactics to disperse the crowd at Ramlila Ground, causing at least one ISF worker to sustain a head injury. The situation deteriorated rapidly, leading ISF activists to initiate a sit-in protest on the highway, which caused significant traffic disruptions.

A large contingent of police, including senior officers, was deployed to control the situation, and a high alert was issued in surrounding areas. The protesters were eventually dispersed.

During his address in Kolkata, Siddique criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Act and called for its repeal. “This law is not just an attack on Muslims, it is an assault on the Constitution. We won’t accept this Act. The government that supports such laws must go,” he declared.