Indian Secular Front: Police lathicharged ISF protesters in Kolkata, many injured

Activists of the Indian Secular Front clashed with police in central Kolkata's Esplanade area on Saturday to protest against alleged attacks on their workers by the ruling Trinamool Congress in South 24 Parganas district. Naushad Siddiqui, the lone ISF MLA who was leading the protest, was detained as several policemen and agitators were injured.

A senior police officer said ISF cadres blocked a main road in the heart of the city, following which the police requested them to vacate the Jawaharlal Nehru Road and allow smooth movement of traffic. However, the protesters refused to vacate the road and demanded that the culprits behind the attack on its workers in Bhangar be arrested first. As the police lathi-charged the activists and fired tear gas shells, the protesters, numbering around 500, retreated but pelted stones at the police from nearby streets, injuring several police personnel. Police kiosks and railings were also damaged by the protesters, injuring several policemen, the official said.

State Leader of Opposition Shubhendu Adhikari condemned the incident, accusing the ISF of carrying out the attack. He also conveyed the message of the secret alliance to the ISF. Shubhendu said, Naushad belongs to a very respected family. I also give Nausad Bhai a chance to talk about the incident. You cannot oppose Trinamool and BJP together. First you have to decide who you will be with. The people of Bengal want BJP.

#WATCH | Clash broke out between ISF (Indian Secular Front) activists and Kolkata police at the Esplanade area of Kolkata, West Bengal pic.twitter.com/GbLDjk0ZLF

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2023