Kolkata, India – A demolition drive initiated by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) in the Park Circus area on Monday morning escalated into violent clashes between protesting residents and police forces, leaving three police personnel injured. The incident, which began around 9:30 AM, saw residents obstructing the demolition of alleged unauthorized structures, leading to a confrontation that disrupted traffic and public order.

The KMC operation was reportedly targeting illegal encroachments along a section of Syed Amir Ali Avenue, near the Park Circus Connector, as part of an ongoing urban development and road widening project. Local residents, many of whom claimed to have lived in the structures for decades or asserted their legitimacy, gathered to oppose the demolition squad. Initially peaceful demonstrations quickly turned volatile when protesters attempted to prevent KMC machinery from proceeding, resulting in a direct confrontation with the police contingent accompanying the demolition team.

Eyewitnesses described a rapid escalation of the situation. Protesters began pelting stones and bricks at police vehicles and personnel, while also setting tires ablaze to block roads. Police responded with a lathi-charge to disperse the agitated crowd and deployed tear gas shells to restore order. The clashes continued for over an hour before additional police reinforcements, including units of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), managed to bring the situation under control.

  • Injured Personnel: Three police personnel, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector and two constables, sustained injuries primarily from stone-pelting. They were immediately transported to SSKM Hospital for treatment, with initial reports indicating non-life-threatening injuries, including head contusions and minor abrasions.
  • Demolition Target: The KMC drive aimed at clearing approximately 25 to 30 temporary and semi-permanent structures identified as illegal encroachments obstructing public pathways and planned infrastructure improvements.
  • Traffic Disruption: The violence led to significant traffic diversions and congestion in the arterial Park Circus area, impacting commuters for several hours.
  • Arrests: Kolkata Police confirmed that at least five individuals were detained for their alleged involvement in the violence and obstruction of official duty. Further investigations are underway.

Sanjay Kumar, a spokesperson for the Kolkata Police, stated, "Our officers showed restraint initially, but when the situation turned violent with stone-pelting, we were forced to take measures to ensure public safety and facilitate the lawful execution of the KMC's directive. The injured officers are receiving medical attention, and legal action will be taken against those responsible for the violence."

KMC officials reiterated that prior notices had been served to the occupants of the structures slated for demolition, providing them with opportunities to vacate. However, residents argued that rehabilitation plans were inadequate or non-existent, prompting their protest.

As of Monday afternoon, the situation in Park Circus remained tense but under control, with a heavy police presence deployed to prevent further disturbances. The KMC has temporarily suspended the demolition drive in the immediate aftermath of the violence but confirmed plans to resume the operation at a later, unspecified date after reviewing security arrangements. Investigations into the instigators of the violence are ongoing, with authorities reviewing CCTV footage from the area.