Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 16, 2025, Kolkata: The violent clash that unfolded at Vikas Bhavan has sparked outrage across the state, with both teachers and police sustaining injuries amid escalating tensions. The incident, which unfolded throughout the day, has been condemned as a setback for civil discourse, as numerous teachers were reportedly beaten by police officers. Several protesters were injured, some severely, while a police officer was also hurt during the confrontations.
The protest began in the afternoon when the teachers and education workers broke through the gates of Vikas Bhavan, demanding the restoration of their jobs. Tensions escalated as the evening drew on, with protesters accusing the police of using excessive force, including lathi-charges, to disperse the crowd. The scene grew more chaotic as protesters lay bleeding on the ground, claiming that they were qualified teachers who had been unjustly denied employment. Their frustration boiled over, and many declared that they would not sit for exams again, making it clear that their only demand was the return of their jobs.
In the wake of the violent clash, lawyer Rajneel Mukherjee has called for suo motu action by the Calcutta High Court, appealing to the Chief Justice for an investigation into the actions of the Bidhannagar Commissionerate. Mukherjee accused the police of overreacting and unjustly assaulting the teachers, further stoking public anger against the law enforcement’s handling of the situation.
As the protests continued overnight outside Vikas Bhavan, the police were accused of inaction for several hours following an incident in Murshidabad, allowing the situation to deteriorate. The protesters, who remain camped outside the building, have vowed not to leave until the state government reinstates their jobs in a fair and transparent manner. Today, May 16, has been declared a day of protest, with demonstrations expected to persist throughout the day.
Meanwhile, tensions were further inflamed when Trinamool Congress leader Sabyasachi Dutta visited Vikas Bhavan this morning. Witnesses report that Dutta engaged in inappropriate behavior with both the protesting teachers and the media, further exacerbating the already volatile situation. Citizens across Kolkata have expressed their displeasure at the police’s actions, with widespread condemnation of the authorities’ response to the teachers’ peaceful demonstration.
The unrest shows no sign of abating, with protesters continuing to demand justice and the restoration of their jobs. The state government faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of the educators and resolve the standoff.