The recent conflict in Kolkata’s Mukundapur area involved supporters of the Mamata Banerjee faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clashing over the control of a local party office. On Tuesday, both groups alleged that the other instigated the violence. According to the TMC, several of their supporters were attacked, with claims that some women members were subject to molestation. Meanwhile, the BJP dismissed these allegations as unfounded.

Police intervention became necessary as tensions escalated, compelling the enforcement officials to resort to baton charges to disperse the fighting crowd. Reports indicated that numerous TMC workers were admitted to hospital due to injuries sustained in the conflicts. Following the clashes, supporters from both parties congregated outside the Purba Jadavpur police station to voice their grievances.

The clashes began when local TMC workers marched in a rally, asserting that a party office they believed to be theirs was being unlawfully occupied by the BJP. The TMC workers intended to submit a memorandum at the police station when the incident escalated.

Allegations of Assault and Molestation

In the wake of the rally, the TMC alleged that intoxicated BJP workers initiated attacks on their supporters, sparking violent confrontations. The TMC claimed that insults were hurled, including eggs being thrown at Upasana Chowdhury, a prominent party figure. Chowdhury accused BJP supporters of besieging her home, hitting her with sticks and subjecting her to harassment, which she reported occurred as her family attempted to intervene.

Chowdhury detailed in a public statement how her vehicle was vandalised, stating, “We had gone to submit a memorandum, carrying the Constitution in our hands. But BJP-backed miscreants vandalised my car and attacked my home.” These accusations reflect a broader atmosphere of hostility between the rival factions in the area.

Additionally, former MLA and ex-IPS officer Humayun Kabir alleged that he was severely beaten while attempting to reach the police station where TMC leaders were reportedly held after the violence erupted. Kabir shared a video on social media displaying his injuries, claiming he was attacked in full view of the police.

Responses and Counter-Allegations

In response to the situation, several TMC representatives condemned the alleged inaction of the police. TMC MP Derek O’Brien highlighted the disturbing nature of the events on social media, implying police ineffectiveness contributed to the violence. He asserted that the images from the incident represented the suffering of TMC workers, labelling the BJP supporters as “intoxicated thugs.”

TMC MP Mahua Moitra also expressed concern, describing the violent situation involving Kabir and urging action from law enforcement while alleging an offensive by BJP goons. Despite these serious allegations, the BJP refuted all claims of wrongdoing, asserting that their supporters had acted in self-defence following an unprovoked attack from TMC members.

Jadavpur BJP MLA Sarbori Mukherjee stated that the altercation illustrated citizens resisting what she described as the TMC’s attempts to establish dominance in the locality. She accused the TMC of attempting to disrupt peace by introducing undesired elements within the community, asserting that the BJP was merely defending itself against provocation.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share