Power Cut Protests Turn Violent in West Bengal’s Malda District

Six people, including three police personnel, were injured in West Bengal's Malda district when a protest over frequent power cuts turned violent. Locals blocked the state highway and clashed with the police, who fired a round in self-defense. Twenty-six people were detained, and an investigation is underway.

Six individuals, including three police officers, sustained injuries in West Bengal's Malda district on Thursday as a protest against frequent power outages escalated into violence, according to officials.

Locals, frustrated by frequent power cuts, obstructed the state highway at Enayatpur in Manikchak in the morning, leading to kilometers-long traffic jams. When police attempted to clear the blockade, protestors started throwing stones at them, recounted SP Pradeep Kumar Yadav.

In response to the rising aggression, the police sought refuge in a nearby house. As the mob threatened to set the shelter ablaze, the officers fired a round in self-defense, resulting in injuries to three villagers. Twenty-six suspects have been detained, and the area is under continuous surveillance. The MoS for Irrigation, Sabina Yeasmin, and Power Minister Aroop Biswas have provided varying statements on the matter, underscoring local governmental tension.

(With inputs from agencies.)