In a significant incident of public unrest, Kolkata police arrested nineteen people on Tuesday following a violent demonstration near the Bangladesh deputy high commission in the city's central Beckbagan area. The protest, which was organized by several right-wing groups, escalated dramatically, resulting in alleged attacks on police personnel and damage to public property.
Court Proceedings and Bail Decisions
On Wednesday, the legal fallout from the protest began as an Alipore court addressed the cases of the arrested individuals. The court sent twelve male accused to police custody until Friday, granting the state's request for remand. In contrast, the seven women arrested in connection with the event were granted bail, each against a personal bond of Rs 2,500. The state counsel, opposing bail for all, informed the court that the violence left at least twelve police personnel injured, with two requiring hospitalisation.
Details of the Violent Unfoldment
The demonstration was initially called to protest against the murder of an individual named Dipu Das in Bangladesh and alleged attacks on minorities in the neighbouring country. However, the situation spiralled out of control when protesters attempted to breach police barricades set up to prevent them from marching towards the diplomatic office. Law enforcement officials stated they were forced to resort to a lathi charge to disperse the agitated crowd after the protest turned violent.
The police response and the actions of the protesters are now a major point of contention. The public prosecutor argued in court that custodial interrogation of the twelve men was essential to uncover the "real motive" behind the organised violence. Conversely, the defence counsel for the accused claimed the protest was peaceful and the police action was unprovoked. They further argued that several demonstrators were seriously injured during the baton charge, with at least four bleeding profusely, and demanded bail for all arrested individuals.
Arrests and Investigation
According to police reports, twelve protesters were detained directly from the spot during the chaos on Tuesday. The remaining seven were identified and arrested later after authorities meticulously scanned CCTV footage from the area to pinpoint individuals involved in the unrest. All nineteen accused spent Tuesday night in the Lalbazar central lock-up before being presented in court. The investigation is ongoing as police seek to determine the full sequence of events and the extent of planning behind the protest that led to the clash.
