What Led to the Baton Charge on Protestors in Bengal Over Migrant Worker’s Death?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Protests erupted in Beldanga over the alleged murder of a migrant worker.
- The police took action, using baton charges to clear the crowd.
- Several protestors have been detained for their violent actions.
- Train services were disrupted due to the protests.
- Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify culprits.
Kolkata, Jan 17 (NationPress) On Saturday, police resorted to a baton charge to disperse a crowd in Beldanga, located in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, protesting the alleged murder of a migrant worker from the state in Jharkhand.
Following an outbreak of violence on national highways and railway lines since Friday, authorities took decisive measures in the afternoon.
To manage the escalating situation, police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) units intervened to clear the mob and end the blockade.
A significant police presence, led by the District Police Superintendent, conducted operations to break up the crowd.
According to Kumar Sunny Raj, Superintendent of Police for Murshidabad District, "There were certain blockades that necessitated a baton charge. The situation is now under control, and shops have reopened."
The SP reported that approximately 15 to 20 protestors have been detained for their violent actions over the last two days.
"We have exercised patience, but now we will take action against anyone involved. The perpetrators will be identified by reviewing CCTV footage, and even those hiding in their homes will be arrested. Several individuals were detained last night, with more apprehensions occurring today," the SP added.
Numerous individuals blocked the Barua More intersection, National Highway 12, and vandalized the railway gate near Beldanga station, causing significant disruptions to train services.
Train operations between Krishnanagar and Lalgola were halted.
Eastern Railway General Manager Milind K. Deuskar dispatched additional personnel to Beldanga to restore order.
Protestors also damaged traffic kiosks and police vehicles, with at least 12 individuals sustaining injuries due to stone pelting during the protests.
The unrest following the death of the migrant worker began on Friday.