Kolkata: At least eight police personnel, including a sub-inspector, were injured when violence broke out during a BJP campaign rally at Basanti Bazaar on Thursday. Eight persons have been detained.
BJP candidate Bikash Sardar alleged that a mob — backed by the governing party — attacked his supporters with sticks as they rallied after offering prayers at a local Kali temple. "Police personnel were caught in the middle, which is why more of them were injured. Three of our workers were also hurt and three motorcycles vandalised," he alleged.
Trinamool functionaries denied involvement, calling the violence a result of public anger against BJP.
EC has sought a report from the DGP, asking why central forces were deployed late and in inadequate numbers. Heavy police and central forces are now patrolling the area.