Kolkata witnessed significant unrest on Sunday as a protest erupted against the demolition of makeshift stalls and shanties near Jadavpur railway station. This demolition drive, executed by railway authorities utilizing bulldozers, targeted structures alleged to be illegal along Jadavpur Station Road. The action prompted an immediate and vigorous response from local leaders of the Left and Congress parties, who gathered to voice their dissent against what they described as an unjust eviction.
The disturbances extended late into the night as demonstrators attempted to block the bulldozers, with some laying down in front of the machines while others climbed on top in a bid to halt the demolition. This marked the second attempt to carry out such demolitions in the area; a previous effort had been thwarted by a similar show of resistance from local residents and activists.
The heavy police presence, including officers from central forces and the Rapid Action Force, was indicative of the tension surrounding the protest. As the situation escalated, law enforcement resorted to lathi-charging the crowd, which included numerous students, resulting in the detention of several individuals. Among those taken into custody was Srijan Bhattacharyya, a prominent leader of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI).
Critics of the demolition argue that the eviction process was conducted without adequate provision for the rehabilitation of those displaced, potentially violating legal guidelines established by the courts. The Left and Congress parties have been vocal in their condemnation of the government’s actions, asserting that the drive reflects a broader trend of neglect towards marginalized communities under the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) administration.
In response to the detentions and the police’s aggressive tactics, SFI supporters organized a dharna (sit-in) near Jadavpur University, echoing the sentiments of those affected by the demolitions. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in Kolkata around urban development, displacement, and the rights of street vendors and low-income residents.
