Left protest turns violent in Kolkata

The Left workers also clashed with the police as they attempted to break barricades in Kolkata and neighbouring Howrah.

Security arrangements were tightened in Nabanna and several part of the city since Monday for the protest march where several top Left leaders participated.

Several Left leaders were reportedly detained by the police.

Left leader Sujan Chankraborty tweeted: "Lefts in WB on street. Red waves. Fight on people's issues. Prepared for march to Nabanna.Madam CM Fleed away from kolkata @MamataOfficial ?."

"Bengal burning. Kolkata ceased by red. Innumerable attacked, hospitalised & arrested. Height of police brutality. Fascistic @MamataOfficial," he said.

The Left parties were protesting against several issues and to draw state government's attention towards their demands.

CPI-M state secretary Surya Kanta Mishra earlier told IBNS, "Our rallies will hit the door of Nabanna today with our demands. We have directed our comrades to be prepared for any situation."

Meanwhile,  several media persons, who were covering Left parties' march to state secretariat Nabanna, were injured when policemen and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel lathicharged them in Esplanade area on Monday afternoon.

According to reports, after being assaulted by cops while covering Left parties' march to state secretariat Nabanna, a large number of Kolkata-based scribes blocked a nearby road, demanding an immediate action against the policemen who manhandled them.

A large police force along with RAF and combat force rushed to the scene and after getting direction from senior IPS official Murali Dhar Sharma, security personnel suddenly attacked the peaceful gathering of journalists.

Later police dispersed the agitating reporters from the area.

Hours ago, police restored to lathicharge when Lefts protest march to Nabanna went violent.

Several protesters and at least 12 media persons were seriously injured in the skirmish.

(Image: Subhodeep Sardar)