Naushad Siddiqui detained during protest at Esplanade

Protests erupted in central Kolkata on Wednesday as the Indian Secular Front (ISF) staged a demonstration against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the amended Waqf Act.

The rally, called by the ISF, was meant to be led by Bhangar MLA Naushad Siddiqui. Mr Siddiqui was later detained by police and brought to a nearby police station. He was released in the evening. From the morning, a heavy police presence could be seen in the area to prevent the protest march from taking shape. As ISF workers began gathering for the procession, police blocked their movement, sparking heated arguments.

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The situation quickly escalated, with ISF supporters clashing verbally with the police and alleging that the authorities were determined to crush their democratic right to protest. Several party workers were detained in the scuffle. Tensions rose further when Siddiqui himself was stopped by officers. According to ISF leaders, police not only prevented him from addressing his supporters but also manhandled him during the confrontation. In a dramatic scene, Siddiqui was initially bundled into a prison van but stepped out, refusing to cooperate with what he called “illegal detention.” Police later forcibly took him into custody again.

The detainees, including Siddiqui, were transported to Lalbazar police headquarters. Meanwhile, the ISF accused the government of using police to silence opposition voices. Defending the crackdown, the deputy commissioner of police (central division) stated that no permission had been granted for the ISF’s programme, and hence any attempt to march in Esplanade was unlawful. The standoff highlighted yet another flashpoint between the state administration and the ISF ahead of next year’s Assembly elections.