'Stone-throwing has stopped in Kashmir, and will stop in West Bengal also': CM Suvendu Adhikari

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated on Monday that attacks on police personnel and incidents of vandalism would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He warned that strict legal action would be taken in such cases, adding that if such incidents were to recur, he would show no mercy. A protest against the recent bulldozer action in Kolkata's Tiljala area turned violent on Sunday. In the Park Circus area, protesters pelted stones at police personnel, resulting in injuries to several officers and damage to numerous vehicles.

Addressing journalists after visiting the Deputy Commissioner's office in Park Circus and meeting police officials and injured security personnel, Suvendu Adhikari adopted a firm stance regarding the law and order situation. Suvendu Adhikari informed that six police personnel and two jawans from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) had sustained injuries during the violence. He stated that 40 individuals have been arrested so far, and the investigation is being directly supervised by the Police Commissioner. He asserted, "I am sending a clear message that such unrest, hooliganism, and anti-national or anti-social activities will not be tolerated in the slightest. We will not allow such things to continue."

What Did Suvendu Adhikari Say About the Conduct of Police and Central Forces?

Suvendu Adhikari met with the injured personnel and read out their names before the media. He praised the conduct of the police and central forces, noting that they exercised restraint despite provocation from the crowd. He remarked, "I have come to inquire about the well-being of the injured police personnel and CRPF jawans. Yesterday, our security forces maintained the law and order situation, averted a major incident, and protected the public. I am here to convey to them that the government stands firmly behind them."

Seeking to reassure the police force of political support, Suvendu Adhikari emphasized that police personnel should discharge their duties fearlessly under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He stated, "I have told them that their Home Minister and Chief Minister are with them. Under the leadership of the Police Commissioner, the entire department stands with them. You have all done a commendable job." "Do not assume that the old rules still apply. If anyone believes that the police force will continue to operate with its hands tied, they are mistaken."

What did Suvendu Adhikari say about stone-pelting during protests?

Referring to allegations of stone-pelting during protests, the Chief Minister drew a parallel with Kashmir and stated that such incidents would no longer be tolerated in the state. Suvendu Adhikari said, "Political and religious organizations are free to organize events after duly informing the police. However, the practice of gathering crowds, raising religious slogans, and engaging in stone-pelting cannot be allowed to continue. Stone-pelting at the police has now ceased in Srinagar and Kashmir; I am confident that it will come to an end in West Bengal and Kolkata as well."

Describing Sunday's violence as premeditated, CM Adhikari asserted that social media posts indicated prior planning. He issued a stern warning to those involved against repeating such acts. He stated, "I appeal to all of you: do not repeat such incidents. Listen carefully—this must be the first and the last occurrence of its kind. We will not allow such events to happen again. Consider this your final warning. If such incidents recur, you will face my harshest retribution." He added that government action would not be limited merely to arrests, and officials would closely monitor the cases until the culprits are duly punished.

Suvendu Adhikari declared, "If a single police officer is harmed, this government will utilize the full force of the law. Our responsibility extends beyond mere arrests; we will maintain strict vigilance over the entire legal process to ensure that the guilty are brought to justice." Aiming to convey a message of impartiality, Suvendu Adhikari directed the police to take action without regard for political affiliation, religion, community identity, or influence. Adhikari emphasized, "The police should not have to hesitate or second-guess themselves before taking action. Do not concern yourselves with which political party, religion, or community an individual belongs to. Simply act in accordance with the law."