The police resorted to lathi-charge, used water cannons, and fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesting workers led by state party president Sukanta Majumdar. At least 10 protesters were detained, the police said.

A senior police official said, “The police exercised restraint and only resorted to necessary action when the situation became potentially volatile. However, complaints will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate measures will be taken.”

The BJP, on the other hand, alleged that several party workers, including women, were injured in the police action. “Today, we came here to protest against the deterioration of the law and order situation. But the police launched an attack on us. Our women workers have suffered injuries and one of them broke her leg. We strongly condemn such action by the police. We will take up the matter with the National Commission for Women,” said Majumdar.

Nearly 25 party workers were injured in the baton-charge and a few were even admitted to a hospital, he claimed.

Later in the day, Majumdar staged a dharna outside the Titagarh police station, demanding that the detained workers be released immediately.

Leader of Opposition in state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari also condemned the incident. “The police launched an assault on our workers without any provocation. They arrested our workers. We demand their unconditional release,” said Adhikari during a press conference.

Reacting to the incident, TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh said, “The BJP resorted to hooliganism in the name of organising a protest. They broke barricades, and as a result, the police resorted to lathi-charge. This was not a peaceful protest. They planned to create a ruckus there.”

— With PTI inputs