By Arnab Mitra

Kolkata: The recent hike in electricity prices by the CESC (Calcutta Electricity Supply Corporation) had put the middle class Bengalis in trouble. A mass of 500 people gathered in front of CESC office on September 21 protesting the recent hike and demanding a reduction in the prices.

However, the peaceful protests suddenly turned violent when the police without any provocation mercilessly lathi-charged on the protesters. The police detained 51 people but they were released on bail the next day. The Opposition Parties and members of civil society heavily criticized the brutal police action.