Nine held in connection with TMC-BJP clashes in Kolkata

Kolkata: Nine people have been arrested in connection with clashes between TMC and BJP supporters before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally at the Brigade Parade Ground here a day ago, police said on Sunday.

Four people were apprehended late on Saturday, and five more this morning, a senior officer said.

"So far, nine people have been arrested in connection with the clashes. Legal action is being taken," the officer said.


Both the TMC and the BJP have lodged complaints against each other over the clashes.

"Complaints were received from both parties late in the night, and cases have been registered. Action is being taken as per the law," the officer added.

Police personnel who intervened to control the situation were also injured during the clashes.

Among those injured was Bappaditya Naskar, the officer-in-charge of Bowbazar Police Station.

"Eight injured police personnel were admitted to the hospital, and six of them have been discharged, while two are undergoing treatment," the officer said.

The police have been conducting the investigation and examining the complaints filed by both sides.

The clashes broke out between TMC and BJP supporters in central Kolkata on Saturday, barely half an hour before the prime minister's rally at the Brigade Parade Ground here.

Allegations also surfaced that stones were thrown at the residence of West Bengal minister Shashi Panja in the Girish Park area.

The violence took place around 5 km from the rally venue when BJP supporters were going to attend the prime minister's meeting, which marked the culmination of the party's statewide 'Parivartan Yatra' ahead of the assembly elections.