Clashes Erupt During Kurmi Agitation In Bengal's Purulia, Several Cops Injured

Violence erupted during the Kurmi community's protest for Scheduled Tribe status at Kotshila railway station in West Bengal's Purulia district on Saturday. Though the morning passed peacefully with substantial police presence, the situation deteriorated around 4 pm when thousands of demonstrators stormed the station premises, crossing tracks to reach platform number two.

When police attempted to control the crowd, protesters broke through barricades. Security forces responded with baton charges and tear gas as the confrontation intensified. Protesters retaliated by hurling stones, resulting in injuries to several police officers. The railway police help desk and other station facilities sustained damage during the unrest.

Purulia Superintendent of Police Abhijit Bandyopadhyay arrived at the scene with reinforcements and restored order. "Many of our personnel were injured when a large crowd pelted stones using railway track ballast. We have detained several agitators and now have the situation under control," the SP reported.

On Thursday, the Calcutta High Court had ruled the Kurmi community's planned September 20 rail and road blockade "unconstitutional and illegal." The protest aimed to press demands for Scheduled Tribe status recognition.

This court decision followed a petition from the Purulia Chamber of Trade and Industry challenging the proposed blockade. After the verdict, Purulia's District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police held a joint press conference urging citizens not to participate in the protest and warning of legal consequences for those violating the order. Police officials confirmed they had made comprehensive preparations to prevent disruptions.