BJP workers protest outside CPI(M) office, 600 detained

NEW DELHI, May 22:
BJP workers today staged a demonstration outside the CPI(M) headquarters here, broke police barriers and damaged their signboard in protest against the murder of a party worker allegedly by supporters of the Left party during a poll victory rally in Kerala.
BJP has been targeting the Left over the alleged attacks on its workers in Kerala in the run up to the polls.
Several police teams were deployed and a four-tier security arrangement was made around the CPI(M) office in New Delhi’s Gole Market area this morning.
CPI(M) workers had also come out of the building to confront the protesters and a minor scuffle broke out when a group of BJP workers broke police barriers and damaged the signboard at the CPI(M) headquarters.
The groups were separated by the police and no injuries were reported, police maintained.
“Around 600 people have been detained under provisions of law and the situation is under control,” DCP (New Delhi) Jatin Narwal said.
Holding that the protest was peaceful, Delhi BJP spokesman Praveen Kapoor said, “Police detained our leaders and workers but not the CPI(M) workers who resorted to violence. Hundreds of party workers, including Delhi in-charge Shyam Jaju and president (Satish Upadhyay) have been detained.”
CPI(M) leader Prakash Karat said, “No one was injured in the attack. But the police personnel deployed there did not prevent them from coming up to the office.”
A police complaint has been lodged in connection with the incident, a CPI(M) worker said.
On Thursday, BJP worker Pramod (38) had sustained head injuries after he was allegedly hit by a brick following a clash during a victory rally by CPI(M) workers at Idavilangu in Kerala. He died the next day. (PTI)