Daijiworld Media Network – Kolkata

Kolkata, Jul 10: A major controversy has erupted in Kolkata’s New Alipore locality after members of the local truck owners’ association alleged that police personnel vandalised over 30 parked trucks without issuing any prior notice.

Following the outrage, Kolkata Police suspended three of its personnel reportedly involved in the incident. The sudden act of alleged vandalism has drawn widespread criticism from truck owners and local trade bodies, prompting them to demand strict action and immediate clarification.

Speaking to ANI, Pankaj Kumar, President of the Alipore Truck Owners Association, expressed deep anguish over the incident. “This act was carried out by the New Alipore Police. We received a call yesterday and immediately sent our drivers to move the vehicles. However, instead of cooperation, our drivers were assaulted. You can see how severely the vehicles were damaged,” he alleged.

He further stated, “They later sent us a letter asking us not to park on the main road and instead use the siding. But there is no space to park loaded trucks there. There was no prior notice or dialogue. The police have not been cooperating with us.”

Kumar also mentioned that the only warning received was a verbal instruction two days ago citing problems caused to ambulances due to a nearby hospital. “In total, 30 to 35 trucks have been damaged,” he said.

Meanwhile, tensions remained high across parts of West Bengal, as several left-wing trade unions observed a ‘Bharat Bandh’ protesting the central government’s economic policies which they claim are anti-worker and pro-corporate.

In Kolkata’s Jadavpur area, Left-affiliated union members entered railway premises and blocked tracks as part of their agitation. A protest march was also taken out through the streets of Jadavpur, defying heavy police deployment.

Speaking to media, a local bus driver shared, “We understand the cause of the protest. We too are workers. While we need to continue our duties, we are supporting the Bandh in spirit. We are wearing helmets to protect ourselves in case of any untoward incident.”

The 24-hour strike, supported by ten central trade unions, severely impacted essential services across the state. Public transport, banks, government offices, postal operations, industrial production and coal mining activities witnessed significant disruption.

The incident involving police action in New Alipore is now under investigation, with authorities promising accountability. However, the issue has added fuel to the fire in an already charged political and labour environment in West Bengal.