Fresh protests erupt in violence-hit Bhangar

Fresh protests surfaced two days after roadblocks were lifted at Bhangar in South 24 Parganas following the arrest of CPI (ML) Red Star leader Sarmistha Chowdhury and two others — Shahnawaz Mollah and Pradep Thakur.

The three were charged with attempt to murder, among other non-bailable offences. The trio was produced at Baruipur Court on Thursday, which remanded them to eight-day CID custody.

Following the arrests, roadblocks resurfaced in at least 16 places on Thursday morning at Howrah area of Bhangar. Bricks were laid, tyres burnt and tree trunks thrown across the road to block vehicular movement. "The protests will continue till all three leaders and 11 of our villagers are released unconditionally by the police," said a protestor.

"Protests are already on in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala. It will spread to all parts of Bengal if they are not released soon," said Shankar Das, Central Committee member of CPI (ML) Red Star.

Police removed some of the barricades in the evening and a clash between them and protestors followed. Bombs were hurled and several rounds were also fired at Machhibhanga village, adjacent to the power grid project which has been the bone of contention. Bidhannagar Mayor Sabyasachi Dutta along with his followers also reachede the spot to remove the roadblocks.

"I don't understand red star and white star. If they come to disrupt peace, they would be whitewashed. We will cooperate only if they abide by the law," he said.

Senior CPIM leaders also put up protest programmes in Bengal. "We are with the people of Bhangar. We all need to raise our voices against the prevailing misrule in the state," said state CPIM secretary Dr Surjyakanta Mishra.