Intelligence Agencies Raise Concerns Over Law And Order Deterioration In West Bengal: Sources To News18
According to top intelligence sources, escalating communal violence amid protests over the Centre's Waqf Act in Murshidabad and North 24 Parganas after Friday prayers occurred because local intelligence assessments were not made
Intelligence agency sources have told CNN-News18 that the deteriorating law and order situation in West Bengal is an early warning of systemic failure.
“The state government not taking appropriate action against communal tensions is potential exploitation of policy disputes like the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025," said a source.
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According to top intelligence sources, escalating communal violence amid protests over the Centre’s Waqf Act in Murshidabad and North 24 Parganas after Friday prayers occurred because local intelligence assessments were not made.
Intelligence agencies note heightened communal rhetoric, with fears that political factions are exploiting religious sentiments to consolidate votes.
Protesters, led by Muslim groups like AIMPLB, argue the Act undermines their control over Waqf properties.
Attacks on central agencies in Bengal are a regular norm, including an attack on ED officials during Sandeshkhali when agencies were raiding Trinamool Congress leaders’ homes in a ration scam case, sources pointed out.
The state police allegedly failed to intervene, raising concerns about collusion between the ruling party and law enforcement, they said.
“BJP workers have allegedly faced kidnappings and murder," a source said. “The chief minister refused to implement the Waqf Act, blaming the central government for the unrest. TMC prioritises minority appeasement over impartial governance. Hindu properties were targeted during protests, with minimal police response."
Agencies highlight the risks of radical groups exploiting religious gatherings, as seen in the Waqf protests, to incite broader unrest.
Protests have paralysed transportation, like Kamakhya–Puri Express disruptions, and forced business closures, destabilising livelihoods.
“Recurring electoral violence (such as during panchayat polls) and allegations of voter intimidation threaten democratic integrity," a source said. “Proximity to international borders like Bangladesh raises concerns about cross-border criminal networks exploiting the chaos."
Intelligence agencies say that West Bengal’s crisis is a mix of political opportunism, communal polarisation, and administrative paralysis.
Waqf Act protests are a flashpoint, while deeper issues like institutional collusion and minority appeasement tactics are causing instability, sources said.
Immediate measures — such as neutral law enforcement, interagency coordination, and federal oversight — are critical to prevent further deterioration, they added. The Calcutta High Court has ordered the deployment of central forces to restore order.
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