Kolkata(WB): Clashes broke out between BJP workers and police personnel here on Wednesday during a massive rally organised by the party in protest against post-poll violence and alleged attack on its workers and supporters.
As the BJP activists jostled to reach the Bowbazar crossing in the city, police resorted to firing tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse them.
BJP’s protest march in Kolkata turns violent In retaliation, the saffron party workers raised slogans and hurled stones and bottles at the officers.
Some of the party workers were seen holding a sit-in demonstration in the area in protest.
According to the party sources, close to one lakh people took part in the rally.
The march began around 1 pm at central Kolkata's Subodh Mullick Square and moved towards Lalbazar from different directions.
In 2017, the party had held another march to the city Police Headquarters, during which a large number of BJP workers clashed with police leading to chaotic scenes on the streets.
In a bid to curb any untoward incident this time, security has been beefed up at all major crossings, while Lalbazar has been turned into a fortress since morning.
"Barricades have been put up at all the important junctures across the nine possible entry points to Lalbazar," said a senior officer.
"Personnel armed with water cannons and tear gas shells have also been posted at various points," he added.
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