Kolkata, April 9: A scuffle broke out between protesting teachers, non-teaching staff, and police officers outside a government office in South Kolkata on Wednesday, following the controversial job losses of several teachers. These teachers and staff members had been affected by a recent Supreme Court ruling, which declared that the entire recruitment process-2016 for their positions had been marred by irregularities and was thus invalid.
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The protest was held outside the district inspector's (DI) office in South Kolkata as a demonstration against the job cuts. The protesters, a mix of teachers and non-teaching staff, expressed their anger and frustration over the sudden loss of their livelihoods, blaming the court’s decision and the authorities for failing to address the situation effectively.
According to the protesters, the situation escalated when police officers intervened to disperse the crowd. The protesters claimed that the police resorted to a baton charge to control the situation, with some officers reportedly using physical force, including kicking and pushing individuals. Several of the demonstrators have alleged that they sustained injuries as a result of the police's harsh tactics.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among political figures. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized the actions of the law enforcement officers, accusing them of using excessive force against peaceful protesters. The BJP has demanded an immediate investigation into the incident and called for accountability for the officers involved in the violent crackdown.
The protest reflects the broader discontent surrounding the Supreme Court's decision, which has left more than 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff uncertain about their future. The ruling declared the hiring process to be "tainted," rendering the positions of thousands of employees legally void. This has left many workers in a state of confusion and distress, with little recourse for those who had already dedicated years of service to the educational institutions.
The situation remains tense, and with the BJP's vocal criticism of the police's actions, this issue is likely to continue drawing attention from political and civil society groups.
