In the wake of communal violence that left three people dead in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, the role of social media in fuelling tensions has come into sharp focus. What began as a series of rumours and misinformation spread through WhatsApp groups and fake social media accounts soon spiraled into violent clashes. The unrest, which erupted following protests against the new Waqf law, has resulted in extensive police action, including the blocking of over a thousand social media accounts and the arrest of more than 200 individuals.
Social Media: The Catalyst for Violence
Social media has always had a double-edged sword effect, capable of uniting communities but also dividing them. In Murshidabad, it played the role of an amplifier, taking a situation that might have otherwise been contained and rapidly escalating it into widespread violence. WhatsApp groups, in particular, became breeding grounds for rumours, with inflammatory content quickly gaining traction and mobilizing masses.
The violence began to unravel on April 8, 2025, when protesters clashed with police in the town of Umarpur on National Highway 12. The situation quickly spiraled out of control when protesters, angered by the new Waqf law, set fire to two police jeeps. Law enforcement responded by using tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowds, but the flames of discontent had already spread. Soon after, news of the violence spread like wildfire through social media platforms, further fuelling the unrest.
Mass Mobilization Through WhatsApp and Fake Accounts
What made the violence in Murshidabad more alarming was the way various groups were able to use social media to mobilize people quickly. Fake social media accounts were set up to spread provocative messages, which led to mass mobilizations. Several outfits had already called for rallies against the Waqf law, but these online provocations turned the protests into a powder keg.
The protests, which initially started as a peaceful rally, became increasingly hostile as more people joined the cause, swayed by misinformation. Law enforcement struggled to control the crowds, and by the time the dust settled, three people had lost their lives, and the region was left in a state of chaos.
Police Action: Blocking Social Media and Arresting Suspects
In the aftermath of the violence, the state police have been actively working to contain the situation and prevent further escalation. Authorities have blocked 1,093 social media accounts to curb the spread of false information and inflammatory content. The police have also arrested 221 individuals in connection with the violence, including those accused of orchestrating the unrest.
Senior officials from the state police and district administration are particularly concerned about the role of social media in the violence. One senior officer emphasized that the immediate spread of fake news contributed to the volatility of the situation, making it harder for law enforcement to act swiftly and decisively.
Protests and Tensions Over the New Waqf Law
The violence in Murshidabad is directly tied to protests over the new Waqf law, which has been a flashpoint for communal tensions in several parts of West Bengal. While the law itself concerns the administration and governance of Waqf properties, it has sparked fears among certain groups about its implications for religious and community autonomy. These fears, compounded by rumors circulating on social media, helped to stoke the violence.
The clashes on April 8 were not an isolated incident but a culmination of simmering discontent. Following the first skirmishes, additional protests were organized, which only fueled the fire further. Despite the police’s best efforts to contain the unrest, social media’s role in amplifying and spreading these tensions made the situation much harder to manage.
Looking Ahead: The Role of Social Media in Preventing Future Violence
The events in Murshidabad highlight the growing challenges of managing social media’s influence on public order. As misinformation spreads more rapidly than ever, it becomes crucial for authorities to find ways to monitor and regulate these platforms without infringing on free speech.
In the case of Murshidabad, the police have had to take drastic measures to curb the spread of inflammatory content. The blocking of social media accounts is just one example of how law enforcement is grappling with this new challenge. However, experts argue that a more proactive approach to monitoring social media platforms, combined with stronger community engagement, is necessary to prevent future outbreaks of violence.
