By Tension continued in Kolkata’s Park Circus area on Monday after violent clashes between protesters and security personnel left several police officers injured and triggered a major crackdown by the West Bengal government. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the area a day after the unrest and issued a strong warning against what he described as violence carried out in the name of protest.
The clashes broke out on Sunday during demonstrations against restrictions on roadside namaz and ongoing anti-encroachment drives in parts of Kolkata. Protesters blocked roads near the busy Park Circus Seven Point Crossing, leading to a confrontation with police and central security forces. Officials said stones and bricks were hurled at personnel, while several police vehicles were damaged in the violence.
According to the state government, at least 10 police and security personnel suffered injuries during the clashes. Around 40 people have been arrested so far in connection with the incident, and police said further action would follow after reviewing CCTV footage and video evidence from the area.
After meeting injured personnel, CM Suvendu Adhikari said his government would follow a “zero-tolerance policy” towards vandalism and attacks on law enforcement agencies. He stressed that peaceful protests were allowed in a democracy, but violence and stone-pelting would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Adhikari also confirmed that Central Armed Police Forces would continue to remain deployed in sensitive areas of the state. Referring to incidents of stone-pelting, the Chief Minister said such acts had no place in Bengal and warned that strict legal action would be taken against those involved in the violence.
The police crackdown continued through Monday with intensified patrolling, barricading and flag marches in Park Circus, Tiljala and adjoining localities. Senior officers remained stationed in the area to prevent further escalation and restore normalcy.
The unrest comes shortly after the BJP-led state government announced tighter rules regarding roadside namaz gatherings and launched anti-encroachment operations in several parts of Kolkata. The administration has maintained that the drives are aimed at improving public order and clearing illegal structures.
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress criticised the government’s handling of the situation and accused the BJP of trying to create communal tension in the state. Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Bengal has never supported “bulldozer politics” and appealed for peace.
Political observers believe Adhikari’s direct visit to Park Circus was aimed at sending a clear political and administrative message that the new government intends to take a tougher stand on law and order issues in the state.
