Violence during Shah's Calcutta rally.... Bust of Vidyasagar smashed in hostel

TT, PTI,15 May 2019, Calcutta: Clashes broke out in the heart of Calcutta during a road show of Amit Shah when supporters of the BJP and the Trinamul Congress faced off in front of Calcutta University and at the hostel of Vidyasagar College in north Calcutta.
Bust of Vidyasagar smashed in hostel

Suspected BJP supporters barged into the hostel and smashed a bust of Vidyasagar, the revered educationist and reformer, alleging that they were being attacked by Trinamul supporters from inside.

"Vidyasagar-er din shesh, how's the josh?" a student quoted one of the intruders as shouting while leaving the premises.

The following is a statement attributed to a police source: "Today around 16.35 hrs, BJP North Kolkata District Committee organized a Election Campaigning rally followed by procession/ road show from Dharmatala Crossing, near K.C.Das Shop (Hare Street P.S.) on way to Vivekananda House on Bidhan Sarani, in which Sri Amit Bhai Shah, National President of BJP and some others frontal leaders were taking part.

"When the procession reached near Kolkata University gate on College Street, some TMC supporters came out from the University Campus and tried to show Black Flag with intense slogan against the BJP leaders in retaliation, the BJP supporters also became furious and started to hurl water bottles aiming the TMC supporters.

"However Police restrained both the parties by segregating them with barricades and the procession crossed the place safely. So far there is no report of any injury. "When the procession was passing near Vidyasagar College (New Campus), 17 Bidhan Sarani (under Amherst Street P.S area) around 18.45 hrs. once again a brawl cropped up as some stones were hurled on the procession allegedly from inside the college and in retaliation a section of the processionist chased the TMC supporters and the sequel two parked motor cycles and a bycycle were set on fire.

"Soon a posse of force under DC, ND intervened and sixteen (16) male trouble mongers were arrested.

"Reportedly a bust of Vidyasagar which was kept in a glass showcase in the premises of the College was damaged. Finally the procession terminated around 19.00 hrs. near Vivekananda House, on Bidhan Sarani. "Strong vigil is being main- tained throughout the area to avoid any further untoward incident. Detailed investigation is onSeveral motorcycles parked outside the hostel were vandalised and set ablaze.

Police personnel were seen trying to douse the fire with buckets filled with water.

"There was an attempt by TMC hooligans to attack me. Mamata Banerjee (Bengal chief minister) tried to provoke violence. But I am safe," Shah told a Hindi TV news channel.

Shah said while clashes erupted police remained a mute spectator.

"They (police) deviated from the planned route and took a way where there were traffic jams. I was not allowed to reach Swami Vivekananda's house to pay tributes and I am saddened by it," Shah claimed.

Banerjee hit right back: "If you lay your hands on Vidyasagar, what will I call you other than a goonda. I hate your ideology, I hate your ways." She announced a protest rally on Thursday against the vandalisation of the bust of Vidyasagar..