Protests Erupt in West Bengal Over SSC Recruitment Controversy
In West Bengal, a significant protest erupted as teachers rallied against the state government following a Supreme Court ruling that jeopardized the jobs of 26,000 educators due to recruitment irregularities. The situation escalated into clashes with police, resulting in injuries among the protesters. As tensions rose, many teachers and non-teaching staff attempted to besiege the state education department's headquarters, leading to a standoff that lasted for hours. The police's response has been a point of contention, with claims of excessive force amid the chaos. A mass meeting is planned for Friday, indicating ongoing unrest.
| May 16, 2025, 12:21 IST
Teachers Protest Against State Government
In West Bengal, teachers staged a protest outside the Development Building against the state government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, following the Supreme Court's ruling regarding the SSC recruitment scandal that jeopardized the jobs of 26,000 educators. The court found significant irregularities in the entire hiring process. Last night, clashes erupted between protesting SSC teachers and police, resulting in injuries to several teachers, prompting law enforcement to use batons to disperse the large crowd.
Teachers and Staff Take Hostage
Following the Supreme Court's decision, unemployed teachers and non-teaching staff attempted to besiege the state education department's headquarters in Salt Lake on Thursday. They broke through railings and damaged iron gates, holding hundreds of employees hostage for over eight hours until police began to use force to disperse the protesters around 8 PM.
Violence and Police Response
Many protesters were seen covered in blood, claiming that police had beaten them with sticks. However, officials stated that the police had shown considerable 'restraint' since the morning and were first attacked with 'bricks.' While some hostages were released in groups, many remained trapped inside the building due to the return of the protesters. Around 10:30 PM, the demonstrators announced a mass meeting in front of the Development Building scheduled for 3 PM on Friday, with some activists still inside the premises. Police presence continued to be heavy.