Loudspeaker use in exam season triggers club clash in Kolkata

KOLKATA: A Wednesday morning clash between two clubs representing two adjacent neighbourhoods in Beliaghata over use of loudspeakers at a time when board exams are on led to a pitched street battle that disrupted traffic and left three persons, including two cops, injured.
Use of loudspeakers is banned during exams. This norm has been respected by political parties as well as local clubs for over two decades. However, the 95 Number Unnayan Samiti club near Ragini cinema decided to break the rule. “Since the HS exams are on, we asked them to stop. Our request was met with pelting of bricks,” said a Lebutala resident.
The clash began around 5.30am and forced traffic police to stop car movement on Beliaghata Main Road between 6.10am to 6.40am. “There was severe brick batting and we did not wish to take a chance with law and order. So, we held up traffic till the situation was brought under control. Some locals tried to squat on the road to protest, but failed,” said a cop.
Sources said tension was simmering between the two neighbourhoods over hosting Sitala Puja, and the collection of subscription from the locality. Some “objectionable” remarks made by some residents towards their rival neighbourhood added to the tension, locals said. Another trigger was when Unnayan Samiti resident Pintu Singh was assaulted when he went out to walk his dog around 3am. Even the dog wasn’t spared, he alleged.