Kolkata witnessed unprecedented violence on its thoroughfares for the second time this week with BJP workers and supporters clashing with the police.
Policemen, BJP leaders and workers and some scribes were injured in the clashes.
The BJP top brass that include Kailash Vijayabargiya, National Secretary General and Dilip Ghosh, president of BJP's state unit were arrested; while actor and BJP leader Locket Chatterjee who sustained injuries was admitted to a hospital.
BJP workers were to gherao the Kolkata Police Headquarters (called Lalbazaar) demanding arrest of corrupt TMC leaders and Imam Barkati for issuing a fatwa against the Prime Minister.
Three rallies from north, central and west Kolkata were scheduled to converge at Lalbazaar. Accordingly, barricades had been put up.
BJP workers tried to break down the barricades resulting in violence. Reports suggest crude bombs were hurled while some police vehicles were vandalised. Police resorted to lathi charge and use of water canons to disperse agitators.
On May 22, a rally by Left Front parties and supporters had resulted in similar violence leaving many injured. At least 20 scribes had then been caned by the police.
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