Kolkata, May 17 (IANS) Protests erupted on Sunday at the Park Circus seven-point crossing in central Kolkata against the recent demolition of illegal constructions in the Tiljala area using bulldozers. A gathering was held at Park Circus, with protesters attempting to block the road.

The protesters allegedly hurled bricks at police personnel and vandalised several police vehicles. Several policemen were injured in the attack, while buses on the road were also damaged.

Police have arrested several persons in connection with the incident. Additional Commissioner of Police (CP) of Kolkata Police, Ashesh Biswas, said none of the accused would be spared. Central forces were also deployed at the spot along with Kolkata Police personnel.

According to the police, local residents gathered at Park Circus to protest against the use of bulldozers to demolish illegal constructions in the Tiljala area. Police said the gathering had not received prior permission. Along with local residents, several outsiders were also allegedly present at the protest site.

Tension escalated when police attempted to clear the road and disperse the gathering. Soon afterwards, bricks were allegedly hurled at the police personnel, triggering chaos in the area.

Police said outsiders were also involved in what they described as an illegal gathering. Additional CP Ashesh Biswas said the police had made prior preparations after receiving intelligence inputs, which helped avert a major incident.

“There was an illegal gathering. They were trying to block the road. The police went to disperse them. Then they attacked the police. They vandalised three police vehicles,” Biswas said.

Warning that those involved in attacking the police would not be spared, he said: “We are investigating who is behind this. Everyone will be arrested. Strict action will be taken. We have received information that people from outside as well as local residents came. We are investigating everything. Several people have been arrested. We will not spare anyone. Strict action will be taken. Our three policemen were injured. We had intelligence information and we were prepared. That is why nothing major happened.”

Responding to allegations of lathi-charge on protesters, he said: “If the police are attacked, lathi-charge will be done. There will be no gender discrimination.”

Recently, two persons were killed and three others injured after a fire broke out at an illegal factory operating inside a residential building in the Tiljala area. The death toll rose to three on Sunday after another injured person succumbed to injuries.

–IANS

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