Kolkata: An 88-year-old Left veteran was among several political workers allegedly assaulted when a CPI(ML) Liberation bookstall near Dhakuria bus stand in south Kolkata was vandalised on Chaturthi evening.CPI(ML) Liberation said the attack took place on Wednesday evening while its members were setting up their annual Durga Puja bookstall. The party alleged that miscreants vandalised the stall and assaulted workers and supporters. Among the injured were 88-year-old party veteran Amalendu Chowdhury and state committee member Babun Chattopadhyay, who reportedly suffered a serious eye injury. The injured were taken to Baghajatin Hospital.CPI(ML) Liberation blamed local BJP workers for the attack. CPI leader Prabir Deb said Left parties had been setting up stalls selling political literature near Dhakuria bus stand during Durga Puja for around four decades.The BJP denied the allegations, calling them false and aimed at defaming the party. It claimed the incident stemmed from local issues and had no political connection.Following the incident, CPI, CPM and CPI(ML) Liberation held a joint protest outside Lake Police Station, demanding the arrest of those involved. A formal complaint has been lodged, and Left leaders are expected to meet senior police officials to pursue the matter.Similar tensions were reported elsewhere in the city. SUCI alleged that its bookstall at Manton crossing in Behala was disrupted, while CPI(ML) Liberation claimed it was denied permission to set up a stall near Dunlop Bridge in north Kolkata.Police have launched an investigation and are examining CCTV footage and questioning witnesses.
