A fast-track court in West Bengal's Jangipur has delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing thirteen individuals to life imprisonment for the brutal lynching of a father and his son in Murshidabad district. The violence erupted during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
Court Delivers Justice and Compensation
In a significant ruling on 23 December 2025, the fast-track court in Jangipur not only handed down life terms to all thirteen convicted accused but also directed the state government to provide financial redress to the grieving family. The court mandated the West Bengal administration to pay Rs 15 lakh as compensation to the family members of the two victims.
The Tragic Incident During Waqf Act Protests
The horrific crime took place against the backdrop of widespread demonstrations concerning the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The victims, a father and son, were allegedly targeted by a mob in Murshidabad. The incident highlighted the dangers of mob violence and the severe consequences of vigilante justice, sparking outrage across the region and demands for swift legal action.
Implications of the Fast-Track Verdict
The expedited trial and decisive judgment underscore the judiciary's commitment to tackling cases of mob lynching with urgency. Key aspects of the verdict include:
- Life imprisonment for all thirteen individuals found guilty.
- A direct order for substantial victim compensation, setting a precedent for state accountability.
- A clear message against taking the law into one's hands, regardless of the provocation or context of the protests.
This verdict is seen as a crucial step in providing closure to the victims' family and reinforcing the rule of law in a case that had drawn national attention to communal tensions and mob violence in the state.
