Situation remains tense in Kolkata’s Park Circus following stone pelting over bulldozer action; several detained
The Statesman | 18 May 2026
A protest against alleged bulldozer action spiralled into violence in central Kolkata on Sunday after demonstrators pelted stones at authorities, leading to injuries to several officers. The confrontation triggered heavy deployment across the locality, with Kolkata Police later carrying out a flag march to restore order and prevent further escalation.
Officials said the situation turned volatile when a crowd gathered on the streets and allegedly attempted to block traffic movement during the protest. As police moved in to disperse the unlawful assembly, stones were allegedly hurled at security personnel, damaging vehicles and injuring at least three police officials.
Kolkata Additional ACP Ashesh Biswas said police personnel were responding to an illegal gathering when the violence broke out.
According to Biswas, protesters attempted to block the road and ignored the police’s efforts to clear the area. During the operation, some members of the crowd allegedly resorted to stone pelting, leaving three police personnel injured.
He said legal proceedings would follow and warned that strict action would be taken against all those found involved in the violence.
Police said several people were detained and arrested after the clashes, while security presence in the area has been significantly increased.
Flag march conducted amid heightened tension
Following the clashes, Kolkata Police conducted a flag march through sensitive pockets of the Park Circus area in an attempt to maintain calm and discourage further unrest.
Damaged vehicles were seen in parts of the locality after the stone pelting incident, while police personnel remained stationed at key junctions to monitor the situation.
Authorities have not yet released the exact number of arrests made in connection with the violence. Further details are awaited.