Violence continues across Kolkata pockets, 40 held after Topsia unrest
Times of India | 8 May 2026
Kolkata: There was tension in Topsia on Tuesday night after residents claimed some miscreants had foul-mouthed several of the local women. The two-and-a-half-hour stand-off led to former state minister and newly elected Kasba MLA Javed Ahmed Khan rushing to the spot. The unrest, sources claimed, was triggered after the daughter of one of Khan's staff was reportedly assaulted and molested. The girl has since approached Pragati Maidan Police Station to lodge a formal complaint. Police deployment in the area has been increased to keep order.
Sources claimed there was also an attempt to vandalise and take over the Pragati Maidan party office and a local club. The protest on the road, Trinamool sources claimed, was also to ensure the party office was not damaged.
Sources said it started around 9 pm when two women were reportedly assaulted near 24 Number bus stand. "The attackers said they would hang them upside down. A mob gathered and MLA Khan rushed to the spot to pacify them. Several cops arrived along with central forces. Things eventually normalised post 11.30 pm," said Sk Nadeem, a local.
"We strongly condemn the brutal attack carried out by BJP-backed miscreants in the area," Khan stated.
BJP denied any role in the incident. "We have asked cops to take action in all such cases," a BJP spokesperson said.
Kolkata Police commissioner Ajay Nand said cops stopped any escalation. "On Tuesday evening, a law-and-order problem arose in parts of Topsia and Tiljala,during which certain miscreants vandalised public property. So far, 40 people have been arrested," Lalbazar said in a statement.
In another incident, a statue of former Trinamool functionary Sadhan Pande was vandalised in the Maniktala area, in front of SL Dutta Ground. Trinamool has alleged BJP involvement in the act. In a third case, a Trinamool functionary was allegedly assaulted by goons who claimed affiliation with BJP. Mohun Bagan Club official Shyamal Mitra was reportedly assaulted in Howrah. BJP has denied any role in any such incident.