Kolkata Clashes: Police Lathi-Charge Protesters Near Bangladesh High Commission; BJP Slams Mamata Govt
Kolkata : Violent clashes broke out near the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata’s Beckbagan area as hundreds of protesters from Hindutva groups, including Bangiyo Hindu Jagran Manch, attempted to march demanding justice for persecuted Hindus in Bangladesh.
The demonstration, titled ‘Hindu Hunkar Padayatra’, was sparked by the brutal lynching of 25-year-old Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, on December 20. Das was allegedly dragged, beaten, and burned alive over unfounded blasphemy accusations amid ongoing unrest.
According to police sources, protesters attempted to breach barricades and move towards the diplomatic premises, prompting security personnel to intervene. Mild force was used to disperse the crowd after demonstrators allegedly ignored repeated warnings. Traffic in parts of central Kolkata was disrupted for a short period before the situation was brought under control.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sharply condemned West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, terming the police response “state-sponsored hooliganism” and “Bangladesh-style brutality” to appease radicals. BJP leader Amit Malviya accused her of silencing voices for minority justice, while Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari equated her government to Muhammad Yunus’s regime in Bangladesh.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC), however, rejected the allegations, stating that the police acted responsibly and in accordance with protocol to ensure the security of the diplomatic mission. TMC leaders accused the BJP of politicising the issue for electoral gains and provoking unrest.
No serious injuries were reported, though some protesters were taken to nearby police stations. Authorities said security around the Deputy High Commission has been tightened and warned that strict action would be taken against any attempt to disturb public order. This marks the second consecutive day of protests at the site, amid heightened India-Bangladesh tensions over minority safety.
