'Forceful entry, arson attempt, outsiders involved': Kolkata police recounts Kasba clash

Tensions flared in Kasba during the protest by jobless teachers outside the DI office escalating into a violent confrontation with police. At a press briefing, Joint Commissioner of Police Rupesh Kumar clarified the sequence of events and the police's response to the chaos that unfolded on April 9.

According to Kumar, the police had prior intelligence that a gherao—a form of blockade—was being planned at the DI office. Anticipating potential disruptions, security arrangements had been put in place. “We were not stopping any peaceful protest,” Kumar emphasized, “but the protesters attempted to forcibly enter the premises, which we could not allow.”

The situation worsened when the protestors allegedly broke through the first barricade and then attempted to storm the main gate. Kumar revealed that video footage shows some individuals breaking locks and making attempts at arson. Despite these actions, police initially refrained from retaliation. “Only when our personnel were attacked did we respond with force,” he said.

The timeline provided by the police shows that vandalism began at 12:17 PM, and the assault on police started around 12:30 PM, leaving the force with no option but to intervene. A concrete padlock was reportedly broken in the scuffle, and 13 officers were injured, including Sergeant Tanmoy Mandal, who suffered a severe ligament injury.

Kumar also hinted that the violence may not have been purely spontaneous. “There were outsiders among the protestors who likely instigated the clash,” he stated. The police are now analyzing video evidence to identify all individuals involved and take appropriate action.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma expressed shock over the recent clash between jobless teachers and police personnel, stating that such behavior was unexpected from educators. "This was supposed to be a teachers' protest — we never imagined it would turn violent," he said.

Verma emphasized that the idea of teachers physically assaulting the police was beyond their anticipation. "Can anyone imagine a police officer being slapped during a peaceful demonstration? As the head of Kolkata Police, I cannot accept anyone raising a hand against my force," he asserted.