The Kolkata Police have apprehended four individuals in connection with the violent clashes that erupted at Girish Park in North Kolkata on Saturday. The incident took place just hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mega rally at the Brigade Parade Ground. Lalbazar officials confirmed that a suo motu case has been registered at the Girish Park Police Station, focusing on rioting and damage to public property, despite no formal complaint being lodged by any political party.

The violence reportedly broke out around 12:45 PM when BJP supporters, traveling in buses from North 24 Parganas, were intercepted near Girish Park. An altercation over the tearing of political posters escalated into a massive stone-pelting battle between TMC and BJP workers. State Minister Shashi Panja alleged that her residence was targeted by BJP “goons” with bricks and glass bottles, causing injuries to several party members. Conversely, the BJP leadership claimed that their buses were unprovokedly attacked by TMC cadres to prevent them from reaching the rally venue.

The clash left at least eight police personnel, including the Officer-in-Charge of Bowbazar Police Station, injured while trying to restore order. Heavy deployment of police and RAF was required to disperse the mob. Using CCTV footage, the Detective Department identified and arrested four suspects late Saturday night. The accused face multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for rioting and assaulting public servants. With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, this escalation in political violence has put the administration on high alert.