Packed trains spark protest by nikhilndls on 07 September, 2013 - 11:56 AM | ||
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nikhilndls | Packed trains spark protest on 07 September, 2013 - 11:56 AM | |
Sonarpur station turned into a battle zone on Friday as people protested a railway decision to run a train from Canning instead of Sonarpur on the southern fringe.Their grouse was not getting seats on Sealdah-bound local trains because by the time they reach Sonarpur from Canning — which is further south — they are always packed with people. Hence they wanted another train to originate from Sonarpur.They alleged that passengers from a Canning-Sealdah train alight at the station and board a Sonarpur local train that leaves four minutes later. “This leads to overcrowding in both trains,” a commuter said.Eyewitnesses said a group of 50 passengers started the protest around 8.15am and more people joined in soon after. They jumped on the tracks to block trains and some of the protesters threw banana leaves at the overhead power supply cables.Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police personnel initially tried to convince the people to withdraw the blockade. “As they refused, a lathicharge was ordered. This triggered a violent retaliation from the crowd,” the eyewitness said. |