At least six members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) were taken into custody following a violent confrontation with police during an eviction operation targeting hawkers near Jadavpur railway station in South Kolkata. The eviction drive, conducted late Sunday night, involved bulldozing several unauthorized shops and structures. The operation sparked resistance from CPI(M) workers, resulting in injuries to 15 party members.
The clashes drew a significant police response, including Central Armed Police Force personnel and deployment of barricades. Protesters accused authorities of excessive force, particularly highlighting the police baton charge against student activists affiliated with the CPI(M)’s student wing, the Student’s Federation of India (SFI). SFI’s general secretary, Srijan Bhattacharya, was among those injured and was transferred to a private hospital for a CT scan.
Senior CPI(M) leaders condemned the eviction as a harsh government crackdown, emphasizing that shops adjoining the railway station were either already demolished or served with eviction notices, and criticized the new ruling party’s approach. One leader stated the drive was illegal and disruptive to local livelihoods. The CPI(M) and Congress have jointly protested since the evening of the eviction attempt, demanding an immediate halt to the demolitions.
During his arrest, Bhattacharya accused the railway authorities of ignoring court orders in carrying out the eviction. Theatre activist Joyraj Bhattacharya was also reported injured in the police action. CPI(M) representatives further criticized the Trinamool Congress for their silence on the issue, despite holding a majority in the state legislature, remarking that their own party members had actively resisted the evictions on the ground since the BJP government took office.