Chaos erupted in West Bengal’s Muslim-majority Murshidabad district on Tuesday as protesters clashed with police over the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act.

In Jangipur, a large crowd gathered in the afternoon, demanding the law’s repeal, only for the demonstration to spiral into violence. Stones rained down on police personnel, and several police vehicles were set ablaze, officials reported.

“They hurled stones at our teams deployed to maintain order, then torched some vehicles,” a senior district police officer said, describing the unrest. Security has since been beefed up in the area to prevent further escalation, he added. The incident underscores rising tensions over the controversial legislation, passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday and the Rajya Sabha on Friday after heated debates, with President Droupadi Murmu granting assent on Saturday.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act seeks to overhaul the management of Waqf properties—assets donated by Muslims for religious or charitable ends. It promises better governance through enhanced transparency, improved coordination between Waqf boards and local authorities, and protection of heritage sites and stakeholders’ rights.

Yet, the violence in Murshidabad reveals deep local opposition, casting a shadow over the law’s rollout as authorities scramble to restore calm.