A group of shopkeepers at Sealdah market in Kolkata allegedly thrashed some Calcutta University students and called them 'Bangladeshis' on Wednesday night, NDTV reported.
The incident allegedly began when a student from the university’s Carmichael Hostel went to a shop under the Sealdah bridge to buy mobile accessories. During bargaining, an argument broke out between the student and the shopkeeper. The seller allegedly abused the student, assaulted him, and insulted him by calling him a Bangladeshi simply because he was speaking Bengali.
According to a report by India Today, the student returned with some of his hostel mates to question the shopkeeper. However, instead of resolving the issue, a group of surrounding traders allegedly attacked the students.
According to the victims, the attackers were armed with sticks, bamboo rods, and even sharp weapons. Four students were badly injured in the attack and had to be rushed to Medical College and Hospital for immediate treatment.
Following the incident, the students filed a written complaint at the Muchipara police station and staged a protest outside, demanding quick action and the arrest of all those involved. Police confirmed that the complaint was registered around midnight. Statements of the injured students were recorded, and two traders were arrested in connection with the case.
“An investigation has been launched. Since the shops were closed at midnight therefore accused traders couldn’t be questioned yet. But all the accused will be questioned today. An investigation is underway,” India Today quoted a Kolkata police official as saying.
Meanwhile, members of the pro-Bengali organisation ‘Bangla Pokkho’ also staged protests over the alleged assault. The group’s general secretary, Garga Chattopadhyay, claimed that Sealdah market has long been dominated by non-Bengali traders who often insult Bengali customers.
“They often abuse Bengali buyers. They called these students Bangladeshi for speaking Bengali. And then they were attacked by sharp arms, sticks, and bamboos. They were Hindi-speaking people. These students now want to verify CCTV footage," Chattopadhyay said.
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