38 arrested in Park Circus violence over alleged bulldozer action social media posts

Kolkata Police have arrested 38 individuals in connection with the violence that erupted on Sunday at the Park Circus Seven Point crossing in Kolkata. According to police officials, the protest began over social media posts concerning an alleged “bulldozer action” and later escalated into a violent confrontation. Police stated that demonstrators attacked teams of police and central forces that had arrived at the spot to disperse the gathering. During the clashes, protesters allegedly hurled stones and bricks at security personnel, resulting in injuries to three police personnel.

Officials stated that three vehicles belonging to the Kolkata Police and the Rapid Action Force were vandalized and severely damaged during the unrest. Additional Commissioner of Kolkata Police Ashesh Biswas said that police launched immediate action, including a baton charge, to bring the situation under control after what he described as an unlawful assembly and violent disturbance. Police also arrested Mohammad Farhanuddin, who has been identified by investigators as the alleged mastermind behind the mobilisation of the crowd through inflammatory social media posts.

Police officials stated that raids are continuing at multiple locations to identify and apprehend other accused persons allegedly involved in the violence. Investigators are examining CCTV footage and video recordings from the area to trace additional suspects connected to the incident. Former Deputy Commissioner of Kolkata Police Satyajit Bandyopadhyay described the police action as swift enforcement of law and order following the violence at the Park Circus crossing.