Kolkata

Fresh unrest was reported in Howrah on Wednesday as scuffles broke out between police and BJP supporters during a protest over the killing of a Hindu Bangladeshi youth.

The confrontation began when police stopped a BJP procession from proceeding towards Howrah Bridge, triggering heated exchanges between protesters and security personnel. BJP workers sat on the road and attempted to break through barricades, prompting police to intervene.

A senior Howrah Police officer told PTI, “We will not let anyone hamper normal life and cause trouble to commuters in the name of protest. We will act in accordance with the law to thwart any attempts to create trouble.”

The demonstration follows the lynching of 25-year-old Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker, in Baluka, Mymensingh, Bangladesh on December 18 over alleged blasphemy. His body was set on fire, sparking outrage among Hindu communities.

Earlier, hundreds of protesters tried to march to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata but were stopped midway, leading to clashes and injuries. On Wednesday, the rally started from Sealdah and was heading towards the Deputy High Commission office in Park Circus but was halted by police at Beckbagan. Police claimed the demonstrators turned aggressive, necessitating a baton charge to disperse the crowd.

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The area around Howrah Bridge remained barricaded as authorities managed the protest, ensuring minimal disruption to commuters.