The BJP on Tuesday accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of unleashing "Bangladesh-style brutality" after clashes broke out between police and Hindu groups protesting the killing of a Hindu youth in neighbouring Bangladesh.
The allegation came after demonstrations near the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata turned violent, prompting police action to disperse protesters.
The protests were organised by several Hindutva groups to condemn the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu youth who was allegedly burnt to death in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, on December 20 following blasphemy allegations.
BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya, in a strongly worded post on X, accused the state government of using the police to suppress voices demanding justice for persecuted Hindus in Bangladesh.
He alleged that protesters, including women and elderly participants, were trapped behind barricades, subjected to lathi charges, manhandled and dragged on the streets.
"The barbaric assault outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission is a calculated act of state-sponsored hooliganism," Malviya said, claiming the police acted like "hired goons" of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Drawing a parallel with violence against minorities in Bangladesh, he alleged that the West Bengal police were mirroring similar brutality to appease radical elements.
Tensions escalated in the Bak Bagan area of central Kolkata as the protest procession, which began from Sealdah, was stopped by police barricades.
Demonstrators carrying saffron flags and tridents, accompanied by conch shell blowing, attempted to push past the security cordon, leading to heated arguments and physical confrontations.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos as barricades were broken and police resorted to a lathi charge to regain control. Blood stains were seen on police batons during the dispersal, while fires were reportedly set amid the unrest.
Several protesters sustained injuries during the clashes. Hindutva leader Lalbaba was among those hurt, while multiple protest leaders were detained as police made arrests at the site.
As arrests continued, protesters staged sit-ins in front of police vehicles, further intensifying the standoff.
Demonstrators accused the police of excessive force, with some shouting slogans alleging bias and mistreatment of religious figures and women. Injured protesters described the police action as "ruthless" and vowed to continue their agitation.