The Statesman

The Statesman


Jamait protest turns violent

22 injured in lathicharge, teargas
Statesman News Service
KOLKATA, March 19: At least 22 people were injured, one of them seriously, when police lathicharged and lobbed tear gas shells to prevent supporters of the Jamait Ulema-e-Hind, from marching towards Writers’ Buildings this afternoon. While police claimed that 12 of their men and 10 supporters of Jamait Ulema-e-Hind were injured, leaders of the organisation alleged that at least 50 of their supporters have been badly bruised in the incident.
Leaders of the Jamait claimed that the violence was instigated by outsiders and supporters of the CPI-M and alleged that police showed no restraint. The police though countered by saying that the procession was asked to stop as they could not be allowed to enter an area notified under Section 144 but the protestors became violent and pelted stones.
Supporters of the Jamait Ulema-e-Hind had started gathering in the Metro Channel, where they held a rally, since morning. About 50,000 supporters had gathered for the march. They started towards Writers’ Buildings at about 2 p.m. through Rani Rashmani Avenue but were halted by the police immediately. This sparked a protest and some stones and bricks were pelted at the police and the protestors tried to continue with the march. But a free for all ensued when they failed to do that. Police lathicharged as the protestors resorted to stone-throwing. They also damaged a police car and a police bike as well as five state buses and a private bus which ferried police personnel to the spot. Police also lobbed a few tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. As the supporters scattered to the adjoining grounds, their leaders tried to pacify and control them. The situation was brought under control at about 3 p.m. when the protestors calmed down and desisted from marching towards Writers’ Buildings. The deputy commissioner (headquarters), Mr Pradip Chatterjee, said: “Police had to lob two tear gas shells and resort to mild lathicharge to bring the crowd under control.” Twelve police personnel and 10 protestors were injured in the scuffle, he said. “One injured, Moinul Islam (18) of Dakshin Dinajpur, has been admitted to SSKM Hospital with head injuries,” Mr Chatterjee said. But Mr Siddiqulla Chowdhury, general secretary of the Jamait, alleged that Moinul had been hit by a police bullet. Senior police officers though refuted the claims and said no bullet was fired. “No shot was fired and no one with a bullet injury has been admitted to the hospital,” said Mr Kuldeep Singh, joint commissioner (organisation).
Meanwhile, traffic in the central parts of the city remained stranded for hours as the free for all continued for over an hour. Traffic movement was very slow in the area since morning due to processions coming through several areas blocking the roads.