Slum dwellers in Kolkata protest against police baton charge

Kolkata, Apr 9 (ANI): Slum dwellers in Kolkata staged a protest on Monday against the police baton charge.

In a shocking incident of alleged police atrocity, security personnel had earlier on April 4 baton charged the slum dwellers during which several people were left injured.

Sunitra Devi, a slum dweller, said that they merely wanted that the government to take steps to rehabilitate them.

"We only demand shelter for us irrespective of the location. We just need a place to live. The police baton charged us and many people are injured and are admitted in a hospital. Some of the women who were pregnant were also beaten," she said.

Sumitra Devi further said that they are facing the brunt of administration's apathy.

"Whether they beat us or do whatever but they will have to provide us with some shelter. Otherwise, we will continue to live like this as we have to find a way out or else we will keep wandering on streets. Our people are starving; they have food only when someone gives them otherwise they have to stay hungry," said Sumitra Devi.

"Our children are also suffering as they are not able to go to school and there is no food to eat. Our men who used to work in the nearby bungalows have also lost their job," she added.

The irate protestors were stopped midway by the police personnel and not allowed to reach the residence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to voice their concern.

Over 70 people were arrested and several sustained serious injuries, including the women who complained of being manhandled by male constables. (ANI)