Kolkata rocked by protests, counter protests

Kolkata, April 18 (IANS) Even days after the arrest of a Jadavpur University professor for circulating cartoons involving West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the city continued to be rocked by protests and counter protests by pro and anti government factions.

Intellectuals and commoners continued to pour their anguish over the issue which they see as a blatant attack on democracy and freedom of speech and expression.

A protest rally was taken out by professors of Jadavpur University led by Ambikesh Mahapatra - who was arrested for circulating cartoons. Senior Left Front leaders and former ministers were also present in the rally.

"When such kind of incidents happen it is necessary to protest," said Sukanta Chaudhuri, an eminent educationist.

A separate rally was taken out by Trinamool Congress led faction in the College Street area in protest against the alleged slander campaign against the state government.