CITU protest turns chaotic in Barrackpore Police HQ over industrial land mafia allegations

CITU’s North 24 Parganas district committee held a protest march to the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate on Monday, demanding action against alleged land mafias operating in the Barrackpore industrial zone. The protest, led by CITU leader Gargi Chatterjee, saw participation from several other Left leaders and workers. During the demonstration, protestors broke through police barricades, leading to a brief phase of pushing and shoving between the agitators and police personnel.

The agitation was connected to the general strike observed on July 9. Gargi Chatterjee alleged that "Trinamool Congress goons became active with the help of police to foil the strike." She further stated that lands of several closed factories in the Barrackpore industrial region are being transferred to land mafias, and accused the police and administration of shielding those involved.

Protestors raised slogans demanding government intervention to stop the alleged illegal land transfers and to protect workers' rights. The demonstrators also called for revival of closed industrial units in the region. No injuries or detentions were reported during the protest.