“They attacked first”: CP defends lathi charge on unemployed protestors, says "We have video footage"

Tensions erupted in Kolkata on Wednesday as thousands of unemployed individuals staged a protest as part of the state-wide “Chalo DI Office” campaign. The agitation, aimed at surrounding District Inspector (DI) offices across Bengal, turned violent near the Kasba DI office. Police tried to stop protestors from marching toward the premises, which led to clashes and allegations of a lathi charge by police forces.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma responded to the allegations, stating that the protestors initiated the violence. “There was an initial attack on the police. Four police personnel were injured. Two female police officers were also injured. We have video footage,” said Verma. He added, “The situation was getting out of control. To manage it, a mild lathi charge was used.” He further stated that a total of six police personnel and one sergeant were injured in the attack, with two requiring hospitalization.

Protestors, however, contested the claims and accused the police of acting on prior orders. “You can say anything sitting in an AC room. The police had already been given instructions. They started hitting us before we even arrived. They hit us so hard the sticks broke. Even after that, they kicked, punched, and slapped us,” said one demonstrator. Many claimed the police continued to use force after they had fallen to the ground.

Several unemployed teaching aspirants were reportedly injured in the lathi charge. Some lost consciousness, while others suffered serious injuries from batons and alleged physical assault. The protestors said they had come peacefully to demand recruitment and clarity in the appointment process.

The “Chalo DI Office” protests took place in districts across West Bengal, but the Kasba DI office in Kolkata witnessed the most intense confrontation. Protestors said they expected to be in classrooms holding pens, but instead found themselves facing police batons on the streets.