BJP Condemns Kolkata Police Action as State-Sponsored Hooliganism Against Protesters

The BJP has condemned the Kolkata Police's response to protests over alleged attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, labelling it state-sponsored hooliganism. The clashes resulted in injuries and arrests as demonstrators attempted to march to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission.

The BJP criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday, condemning police actions against protesters highlighting alleged attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. The party described the incident as orchestrated state-backed violence aimed at silencing those seeking justice for Hindus facing persecution in the neighbouring country.

Hundreds of supporters from a pro-Hindutva group attempted to march towards the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata. The protest, held on Tuesday afternoon, turned violent when police stopped them, leading to clashes. Protesters breached barricades in their attempt to reach the commission's office at Beckbagan in central Kolkata.

Police Action and Arrests

To control the situation, police used batons to disperse the crowd. At least 12 protesters were arrested during the confrontation. Several individuals, including both protesters and police personnel, sustained minor injuries amidst the chaos.

BJP co-incharge for West Bengal Amit Malviya reacted strongly to the incident. He stated, "The barbaric assault on Hindu protesters outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata today, where women and the elderly were trapped behind barricades, lathi-charged, manhandled, beaten until they bled, and dragged through the streets, is a calculated act of state-sponsored hooliganism aimed at silencing voices demanding justice for persecuted Hindus in Bangladesh."

Background of Protests

Malviya explained that the protests were triggered by the brutal murder of Dipu Chandra Das. Das was burned to death in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, on December 20 over unfounded blasphemy allegations. He accused Mamata's police of turning a peaceful protest into a violent event, likening their actions to those of hired goons for the TMC.

He further claimed that this incident is part of a worrying trend where police act as tools of oppression. According to Malviya, this mirrors brutality seen in Bangladesh and results in Hindu bloodshed to appease radicals.

BJP's Stance

The BJP leader asserted that his party stands firmly with Bengal's Hindus. He emphasised their commitment to safeguarding their rights, dignity, and safety. Malviya urged Mamata Banerjee to stop relying on what he termed as her "thug police force" for such actions.

With inputs from PTI