Kolkata, 15 March (H.S.): At least nine people have been arrested till Sunday morning in connection with a violent clash between supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the All India Trinamool Congress in the Girish Park area of the city, the police said.

According to the police sources, both the TMC and the BJP lodged written complaints on Saturday night, although the police had already registered a suo motu case earlier. Two police personnel injured in the clash are still undergoing treatment at a hospital, while six other injured persons have been discharged.

The clash reportedly broke out on Saturday when BJP workers heading towards a rally at Brigade Parade Ground addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi allegedly came face to face with local TMC supporters in the Girish Park area.

Amid the tension, allegations were made that the residence of state minister Shashi Panja was attacked. The situation soon escalated into stone-pelting from both sides, turning the area into a virtual battleground.

During efforts to bring the situation under control, the officer-in-charge of Bowbazar Police Station was seriously injured after being hit by a brick. Several BJP supporters were also reportedly injured in the violence.

While the BJP alleged that its peaceful rally was attacked by miscreants backed by the TMC, the ruling party claimed that BJP supporters had attacked the residence of the local MLA and minister, triggering the unrest.

The police said nine persons have been arrested in connection with the incident till Sunday morning and further investigation is underway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey