Kolkata, 25 July (H.S.): Political reactions intensified on Saturday over the clashes, alleged attacks on police personnel and journalists during a protest by Left-affiliated student organisations at Dharmatala’s Dorina Crossing on Friday. Union Minister of State for Education Dr Sukanta Majumdar condemned the incident and said those responsible for the violence should not be spared. He also backed Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s statement that strict action would be taken against those involved.
Majumdar said the situation had deteriorated before the protest march reached Dorina Crossing. He claimed that those who had initially been leading the march were unable to continue leading it till the end.
The Union minister also alleged that journalists were subjected to harassment during the protest and that objects were thrown at police personnel. He further alleged that attempts were made to physically harass some women journalists.
Majumdar claimed that he had spoken over the phone to a woman journalist following the incident. According to him, she said that several women present at the spot intervened and rescued her when she was allegedly being harassed. He also alleged that obscene gestures were made towards the woman journalist.
Speaking about action against those involved in the incident, Majumdar said that no one responsible for the violence should receive political protection. “The Chief Minister has made it clear that no one will be given any concession. Those involved in such acts of hooliganism should face strict action under the law,” he said.
Majumdar also targeted Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, alleging that he was attempting to travel abroad and that his efforts had been stopped by the courts. No response from Banerjee or his office was immediately available regarding the allegation.
The Union minister also made allegations against Sumit Roy, described by him as a close associate of Abhishek Banerjee. Majumdar claimed that Roy wielded considerable influence at the administrative level and alleged that he had a role in decisions concerning the transfer of officials. These allegations could not be independently verified.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Ritabrat Banerjee also strongly condemned the alleged attacks on journalists and media personnel during the protest. He visited SSKM Hospital and met journalists who were injured in the incident. He demanded strict legal action against those responsible.
Banerjee said attacks on media personnel during a democratic protest were unacceptable under any circumstances. He called for an impartial investigation and urged the police to identify those responsible and take prompt action.
Several cases have been registered at different police stations in Kolkata in connection with Friday’s violence. Police are examining CCTV footage and other available evidence to identify those allegedly involved in the clashes.
The protest had been organised by various student organisations affiliated with the Left Front against the alleged question paper leak in the NEET-UG examination. A large number of people participated in the march. The situation reportedly turned tense near Dorina Crossing, where clashes broke out between police and protesters.
According to the police, stones and other objects were allegedly thrown from the protesters’ side, following which the police intervened to control the situation. Several journalists and cameramen were reportedly injured during the incident.
Following the violence, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari condemned the alleged attack on journalists and assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible. The police investigation is underway, with CCTV footage and other evidence being examined to establish the identities and alleged roles of those involved.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
