Salt Lake, Kolkata: Tension escalated outside Bikash Bhawan for the second consecutive day as terminated School Service Commission (SSC) candidates continued their sit-in protest, demanding reinstatement following a Supreme Court verdict that annulled nearly 26,000 jobs.
What began as a peaceful demonstration turned chaotic when protesters broke through multiple layers of police barricades, some even climbing atop bamboo-reinforced structures, in an attempt to enter the government complex that houses the West Bengal Education Department. In response, security forces formed a human chain to block further movement toward the building.
The area resembled a fortress, with heavy deployment of police personnel, Rapid Action Force, and combat units patrolling the perimeter.
Police: Minimum Force Used, No Excesses Committed
At a press conference held later in the day, Jawed Shamim, ADG (Law & Order) claimed that no excessive force was used to disperse the crowd. According to the authorities, law enforcement was compelled to intervene only after repeated requests to release government employees—allegedly held hostage inside the building—were ignored by protesters.
“The police only acted when the demonstrators refused to allow government employees to exit Bikash Bhawan. The action was limited and intended solely to facilitate their safe passage,” said a senior officer.
Protesters Allege Assault, Demand CM’s Resignation
Some protesters, however, accused the police of “inhuman treatment.” One demonstrator called for the resignation of the Chief Minister, stating, “She is not only the Chief Minister but also the Police Minister. Her police have assaulted us brutally. She must resign.”
Chinmoy Mondol, a prominent voice among the protesters, said, “We are being targeted with false cases. The police act against us but remain silent on attacks from political goons. We want answers on what steps the government is taking to return our jobs.”
Several teachers alleged that Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation Chairman Sabyasachi Dutta’s supporters attacked them using helmets, rods, and sticks after Dutta was allegedly manhandled during Thursday’s standoff. Injuries were reported, but many teachers rejoined the protest the following day despite physical trauma.
Sleepless Nights, Growing Fear
The protestors, many of whom are young teachers, spent the night under the open sky outside Bikash Bhawan. Some claimed they were threatened by unidentified men on motorcycles, purportedly loyal to the ruling party.
“We are scared. The police can lathi-charge peaceful protestors but can’t protect us from goons,” said Sharmila Banik, one of the demonstrators.
Another teacher, Dulal Murmu, described how he was assaulted while trying to shield a female colleague. “I’ve been a teacher for seven years. My elderly mother doesn’t even know I’ve lost my job,” he said.
Political Reactions and Continued Resistance
Former BJP MP Dilip Ghosh voiced support for the teachers, blaming the state government for their plight. “These teachers should be in classrooms, not on the streets. But the government has abandoned them,” he said.
Despite the crackdown, morale among the demonstrators remains high. Many returned with bandaged limbs and renewed determination. One teacher summed up the sentiment: “Let them kill us. We are not leaving until justice is served.”
Background
The protest stems from an April 3 Supreme Court verdict that upheld the Calcutta High Court’s decision, which found the 2016 SSC recruitment process to be “tainted.” The court ruling effectively cancelled nearly 26,000 appointments, sparking widespread unrest among affected candidates.
The situation remains volatile, with more demonstrations expected in the coming days as protesters demand reinstatement or alternative employment solutions.
