According to police officials, trouble began when officers attempted to halt the procession near the Esplanade crossing. Protesters pushed ahead despite repeated warnings, insisting they were left unheard by authorities. Several participants were seen shouting at police and vowing to intensify their agitation, prompting a tense faceoff in one of the city’s busiest commercial zones.
The candidates have been demanding the withdrawal of the additional 10-mark weightage granted to experienced applicants, expansion of vacancies, and greater transparency in the SLST recruitment process. As the crowd surged forward, officers struggled to maintain order, leading to repeated clashes along the route.
Upon reaching Dharmatala, the demonstrators launched a sit-in protest, causing heavy traffic disruption across central Kolkata. Attempts by police to disperse the gathering sparked another round of confrontation, with several protesters lying on the road and others claiming they were manhandled. Additional forces were deployed, and several participants were detained and taken away in prison vans.
The unrest caused gridlock in the heart of the city for hours, affecting commuters and public transport services. Some protesters broke down in tears as they were escorted away, alleging excessive force by the police.
By evening, the situation was brought under control, but tensions remained high as the aspirants vowed to continue their movement until the government addresses their demands. The police said further action would follow after reviewing footage and reports from the ground.
