Protests against crematorium in Bengal turn violent, 20 injured

Siliguri, Nov 26 (IANS) At least 20 people including six policemen were injured during a clash between police and demonstrators opposing the ongoing construction of an electric crematorium in West Bengal’s Siliguri.

Police carried out a baton charge and used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd which fought pitched battles with police and also torched a police vehicle. At least 21 people have been arrested in this connection.

The incident started when the residents living around Ramghat area, who have been demonstrating against the construction of a electric crematorium, resisted the cremation of a body.

When police tried to intervene, the protestors clashed with them.

"At least 20 people including six policemen have been injured in the clash. We had to resort to mild baton charge and use tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. We have arrested 21 people in this connection," Siliguri Deputy Police Commissioner O. G. Pal said.

The protestors who have approached the Calcutta High Court against the construction of the crematorium, have threatened to go on a hunger strike if the project was not scrapped.