Tension gripped several parts of Kolkata after violent clashes erupted during protests, with Islamists allegedly attacking police personnel, pelting stones, damaging vehicles and vandalising public property. The incidents were reported from sensitive areas including Park Circus and adjoining localities, prompting a major security response from the administration.
According to officials, at least 10 police officers and several personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) sustained injuries when protesters allegedly turned violent and confronted security forces deployed to control the situation. Authorities said the violence escalated rapidly, forcing police to use crowd-control measures and carry out multiple arrests.
Following the incident, Suvendu Adhikari issued a stern warning against those involved in attacks on law enforcement agencies. He declared that the government would adopt a “zero tolerance” approach toward hooliganism, mob violence and assaults on police personnel.
Speaking after visiting affected areas in Kolkata, Adhikari stated that the administration “will not tolerate attacks on police” and confirmed that more than 40 people had already been arrested in connection with the violence. He also said further investigations were underway to identify additional perpetrators through CCTV footage, digital evidence and intelligence inputs.
The Chief Minister further announced that strict legal action would be taken irrespective of political or religious identity. He accused “organised elements” of attempting to destabilise law and order and warned that those responsible for violence against police and public property would face severe consequences under the law.
In the aftermath of the clashes, Kolkata Police and central security forces intensified surveillance across sensitive zones of the city. Additional deployments were made in communally sensitive pockets, while joint control rooms were reportedly being established to coordinate between state police and central forces.
The violence comes amid a wider political and security crackdown in West Bengal following recent unrest and post-election tensions. The state government has reopened dozens of previously closed cases related to political violence and initiated hundreds of new investigations as part of a broader law-and-order drive.
Community leaders and civil society representatives have appealed for calm and urged residents not to spread rumours or inflammatory content on social media. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further escalation.
