Bengal – Resistance during the removal of illegal constructions around Jadavpur railway station

Five workers of the Congress and Communist parties arrested

Kolkata – After midnight on 7 June, the railway administration carried out an anti-encroachment drive in the area around Jadavpur railway station. Bulldozers were used to demolish several unauthorised shops and structures near the station. Activists of the Communist Party and the Congress opposed the action by lying in front of the bulldozers, climbing onto the machines, and carrying out similar acts. As they attempted to obstruct the administration’s work, several political leaders were taken into custody, and five individuals were arrested.

Among them was Sujan Chakraborty, a Central Committee member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Police also resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse the protesters. The anti-encroachment operation was conducted under heavy security provided by the Railway Protection Force, Kolkata Police, and personnel from Central security agencies.

Railway Administration’s Stand

The shops, stalls, and buildings in the vicinity of Jadavpur Railway Station were completely illegal and had encroached upon railway property. The action was carried out in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Earlier, the railways had conducted similar drives to remove encroachments around the Howrah and Sealdah railway stations.

Editorial Perspective

What was the railway administration doing while these illegal constructions were coming up? Action should be taken not only against the encroachers and those opposing the demolition, but also against the responsible officials in the administration.