Seven hurt as protesters clash with police in West Bengal
By IANSWednesday, July 14, 2010
KOLKATA - At least seven policemen were hurt as protesters clashed with police and torched 15 vehicles in West Bengal’s South 24 Pargans district Wednesday, police said.
Trouble began at Dolonghata near Diamond Harbour when people blocked the busy National Highway (NH) 117 protesting against the police allegedly beating up a youth for creating a nuisance under the influence of alcohol during the rath yatra festival Tuesday night.
As the blockade continued for two hours triggering a traffic snarl, policemen requested the agitators to lift the blockade it. As the agitators refused, a heated argument followed, police said.
Things turned violent as the policemen forcibly tried to lift the road block. The agitators pelted stones and hurled bombs on the security personnel, leaving seven including the officer-in-charge of Diamond harbour police station injured.
The protesters also torched at least 15 vehicles including a police van. Later, a huge police contingent was rushed to the spot, said Additional Superintendent of Police, South 24 Parganas (Rural), Ranendra Nath Banerjee.
“A police picket has been set up in the area and the situation is now under control,” said Banerjee.
No one has been arrested in this connection so far, said Deputy Inspector General (Presidency Range) Siddhinath Gupta.
“Prohibitory order banning assembly of more than two persons has been issued. We have identified the culprits and raids are being conducted in the area,” said Gupta.
