Now, BJP workers clash with police in Kolkata

For the second time in a week, Kolkata witnessed violence on its thoroughfares, as BJP workers clashed with the police. Policemen, BJP leaders and workers and some scribes were injured in the clashes.

On Monday, Left Front supporters had hit the streets, fighting pitched battles with the police.

On on Thursday, BJP workers were to ‘gherao’ the Kolkata Police Headquarters, also called Lalbazaar, demanding the arrest of TMC leaders on corruption charges, the arrest of Imam Barkati for issuing a fatwa against the Prime Minister, deteriorating law and order, among other demands.

Three rallies of the BJP — headed by National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, State party chief Dilip Ghosh, and National Secretary Rahul Sinha — were to converge at Lalbazaar.

However, clashes broke out when the party workers were stopped by the police at various points before Lalbazaar. BJP workers tried to break down the barricades.

A police vehicle was torched and some more vandalised, while crude bombs were also hurled in some places. Police resorted to lathi-charge and use of water cannons and tear gas to disperse protestors.

Vijayavargiya, Ghosh, Sinha and Rajya Sabha MP Roopa Ganguly were arrested. Actor and BJP leader Locket Chatterjee, who sustained injuries, was admitted to a hospital before being arrested.

“It was a peaceful protest and there was no brick-batting. Even then, the police beat us up indiscriminately,” Sinha told media persons.

“We demand a thorough probe into the unprovoked violence. Let the police release the the footage and people judge as to who was attacked by whom,” he further added.

According to Supratim Sarkar, Joint Commissioner (Headquarters), Kolkata Police, there was “unprovoked attack” on police.

“At least 21 of our men (including lady officers) have sustained injuries,” he said.

Sarkar further added that the police was attacked near the BJP party headquarters in central Kolkata.

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