The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that at least 41 of its party workers were injured and several women supporters were molested during violent clashes that erupted in Kolkata on Wednesday during a protest march over the recent Baruipur minor rape and murder case. The party has blamed the police for failing to prevent the violence and accused them of remaining passive despite repeated appeals for intervention.
According to TMC leaders, the protest was organised to demand justice for the victim and to highlight what they described as the deteriorating law and order situation in West Bengal. As the march progressed through central Kolkata, it encountered counter demonstrations by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters, leading to heated confrontations between the two groups. Eyewitnesses reported stone-pelting, physical assaults and widespread chaos, forcing security personnel to step in.
The TMC claimed that 41 of its workers sustained injuries in the clashes. The party also alleged that several women workers were subjected to molestation and physical harassment during the violence. Senior TMC leaders accused the police of standing by as the situation spiralled out of control, alleging that officers neither separated the rival groups nor acted promptly to protect the protesters.
Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly criticised the police administration after the incident. She alleged that law enforcement agencies had failed to maintain order and claimed that rival demonstrators were allowed to obstruct the peaceful procession. Banerjee further accused the police of acting in a partisan manner and described the situation as a serious breakdown of law and order.
The BJP, however, rejected the allegations and accused TMC supporters of provoking the clashes. Party leaders claimed that their workers were also targeted during the confrontation and maintained that the TMC was attempting to politicise the incident. The exchange of accusations has further intensified political tensions in the state.
Meanwhile, police deployed additional personnel in sensitive areas after the violence and initiated an investigation into the clashes. Officials said they were examining video footage and other evidence to identify those involved. No official confirmation has yet been issued regarding the exact number of injured or the allegations of molestation. Authorities have appealed for calm while the investigation continues.
