BJP-TMC workers clash over 'wall-painting' in South Kolkata, several injured

Tensions escalated sharply in South Kolkata's Netajinagar area on Sunday morning following a violent confrontation between BJP and Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers. The dispute originated in Ward No. 98 over the painting of election graffiti on a local wall, a traditional but often contentious part of Bengal’s political landscape. What began as a verbal spat quickly devolved into a physical altercation, with both parties accusing the other of instigating the violence while they were carrying out their respective campaigning activities.

As the situation spiraled out of control, the conflict moved to the gates of the Netajinagar Police Station. Supporters from both sides engaged in a pitched battle, hurling bricks and broken tiles at one another. Despite the presence of a significant police contingent and the setting up of barricades, the law enforcement officers found it extremely difficult to maintain order. The intensity of the stone-pelting was so severe that the police were forced to temporarily lock the main gates of the station to prevent the mob from storming the premises.

The violence resulted in several injuries on both sides, with a few police personnel also caught in the crossfire. A BJP worker claimed that their members were targeted while peacefully painting walls, even alleging that the police remained passive while their workers were being assaulted. Conversely, a TMC supporter displayed injuries to his mouth, claiming he was the victim of an unprovoked attack by BJP youth workers. Both parties have since staged sit-in protests, demanding the immediate arrest of those involved in the violence.

By Sunday evening, a heavy police picket was deployed in the area behind the Netajinagar police station to prevent further flare-ups. Senior police officials are currently reviewing CCTV footage and mobile recordings to identify the primary instigators of the stone-pelting.