Central forces lathi-charge on Congress protesters at CGO Complex

Tensions flared outside the CGO complex in Salt Lake on Saturday as the Congress launched a major protest against the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) recent actions in the National Herald case. The protest, called by the West Bengal Congress and led by state president Subhankar Sarkar, saw heavy deployment of security forces and ultimately ended in chaos and confrontation.

The protest follows the ED’s filing of a chargesheet against top Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in connection with the National Herald case. The special court is scheduled to hear the matter on April 25. As part of the proceedings, the ED has initiated the process of confiscating properties worth ₹661 crore linked to the two leaders.

Angered by what they call “vendetta politics,” the Congress organized the march towards the CGO complex, where central government offices including the ED are located. Hundreds of Congress workers gathered, raising slogans and waving party flags in defiance of the recent developments.

As the protest intensified, central forces resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the gathering, leading to a brief spell of chaos. Several protestors were reportedly injured, and some were detained by security personnel. The situation was eventually brought under control, but tension remained high throughout the day.

Speaking to the media, Subhankar Sarkar condemned the lathi charge and termed the ED's action as politically motivated. “This is a deliberate attempt to silence the opposition ahead of elections. We will not back down,” he said, urging party workers to stay united and continue peaceful demonstrations.