Kolkata: BJP workers protesting against attack on Babul Supriyo clash with police

BJP workers clashed with the police at Kalighat in south Kolkata on Thursday when they were stopped from marching to the residence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to register protest against Wednesday's attack on Union minister Babul Supriyo at Asansol. The police set up barricades to stop them from marching towards Banerjee's residence, which is a short distance away.

The BJP workers, who tried to break the barricades, clashed with the police who chased them wielding lathis. Police sources said nine persons were arrested in this connection. Senior BJP leaders, including party's national secretary Rahul Sinha, Rajya Sabha member Roopa Ganguly were present on the spot among others.

Roopa Ganguly alleged that some women policemen hit them from behind and said, "We have the right to hold protest". She also denied that BJP workers hurled stones at the policemen. Rahul Sinha claimed that they were holding a "peaceful agitation" when the police started the lathicharge. "There is no democracy in the state," he alleged.