Suvendu Adhikari injured in scuffle with police

Kolkata: Suvendu Adhikari, the opposition leader, was reportedly injured during a clash with police in Howrah on Monday. This incident led to BJP councillor Sajal Ghosh arriving at the assembly with an ambulance to assist Adhikari. The BJP accused the police of targeting their leaders, while the Trinamool Congress claimed that Adhikari only received minor "bruises" after being stopped by police. The tension began when Adhikari visited residents affected by land subsidence in Belgachhia. Police set up barricades to stop him and other BJP workers. Adhikari's hand was said to be bruised, and he accused a police sub-inspector of hitting him. He expressed his frustration by saying, “Why did you hit me? You have failed to secure the common man.” He further stated he would keep his blood as evidence of the incident. Earlier in the day, Minister Firhad Hakim visited the affected area and promised help for residents within a few days. The BJP's chief whip, Shankar Ghosh, criticized the police for stopping the opposition while allowing the ruling party to speak with locals. When Adhikari arrived at the assembly later, councillor Sajal brought in doctors and an ambulance for treatment. Adhikari used the situation to highlight the struggles of the poor, warning that indifference from the government could lead to bigger problems. In response, Trinamool spokesperson Jayprakash Majumdar said Adhikari was hurt while trying to remove a barricade. He suggested Adhikari should seek a tetanus shot, dismissing his claims. Party MP Dola Sen further accused BJP leaders of lying about the incident.