Kolkata witnessed high drama on Tuesday when Kolkata Traffic Police stopped an Indian Army truck in front of the Writers’ Building, intensifying the already strained atmosphere between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the army.
According to police sources in Lalbazar, the truck was allegedly being driven dangerously with Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma’s car following right behind it. Fearing a major accident, traffic police flagged down the vehicle and intercepted it near the Writers’ Building.
“The truck was being driven dangerously. Any accident could have happened in a moment. The army driver suddenly changed lane to take a right turn violating traffic rules. That is why we stopped it. The matter is under investigation,” said a traffic police official. The vehicle was later taken to Esplanade, where it remained parked and army officers from Eastern Command’s Fort William headquarters arrived to discuss the issue with the officers of Hare Street police station till the time of filing this report.
The incident comes just a day after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Indian Army of working at the behest of the BJP, following the dismantling of the Trinamool Congress’ temporary protest stage at Dharmatala. Mamata had personally visited the site and launched a scathing attack on the army, alleging political bias.
Tuesday’s confrontation between the army and Kolkata Police has further fuelled tensions, creating a virtual clash between state authorities and the military on the city’s streets.
