Kolkata witnessed unrest on Wednesday night after Calcutta University students alleged they were assaulted and abused by traders in the Sealdah area, sparking protests and police intervention.
According to students, the incident began when a Carmichael Hostel resident went to purchase mobile accessories from a shop under Sealdah Bridge. During bargaining, an argument broke out, and the seller allegedly abused the student, allegedly calling him a Bangladeshi for speaking Bengali, before physically assaulting him.
The student later returned with classmates, but traders allegedly attacked them again. Four students sustained serious injuries, with attackers reportedly armed with sharp weapons. The injured were given primary treatment at Medical College and Hospital.
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Complaint Filed, Arrests Made
The students lodged a written complaint at Muchipara police station and staged a protest demanding immediate arrests. Police confirmed two traders had been arrested in connection with the case.
A Kolkata Police source quoted by India Today said, “A letter of complaint from a group of students of Calcutta University was registered at midnight at Muchipara police station. Statements of the injured victims and students are recorded immediately. An investigation has been launched. Since the shops were closed at midnight therefore accused traders couldn’t be questioned yet. But all the accused will be questioned today (Thursday). An investigation is underway.”
Bangla Pokkho leader Garga Chatterjee visited the site, met the students, and spoke with police officials, demanding strict action against those responsible.