KOLKATA: Police in Kolkata were compelled to deploy fibreglass shields and helmets on Sunday to safeguard an arrested Trinamool Congress councillor from the city's emerging trend of 'dim-ocracy', where eggs have become a popular tool of protest.
Eggs as a new form of protest
Eggs, locally known as 'dim', have transformed into the newest medium of demonstration in West Bengal. Mobs, often comprising political rivals, have been targeting Trinamool councillors and functionaries who are being arrested on charges ranging from extortion to corruption. The latest incident involved councillor Jasimuddin, who was pelted with eggs near his residence.
Arrested councillors and functionaries
Currently, eight Trinamool councillors of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and five more from the neighbouring Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation, which includes Salt Lake and surrounding areas, are behind bars. They are joined by numerous other councillors, functionaries, former MLAs, and their relatives, all affiliated with the Trinamool Congress.
Police response with riot gear
Crowds, frequently composed of political opponents, have been intercepting Trinamool members either at police stations or outside courts, targeting them with eggs and other projectiles. Police officers escorting the accused have also experienced the unpleasant aftermath, including the lingering smell, which may explain the introduction of fibreglass shields.
The first recipient of the riot-control shield was Bappaditya Dasgupta, the Trinamool councillor from ward 101 in Kolkata, who was arrested late on Saturday. Police officers in full riot gear, holding shields, lined up outside Patuli police station while Dasgupta was being escorted to a vehicle. Officials stated that the large crowd outside the station prompted the deployment of the riot gear.
