KOLKATA: The SUCI staged two demonstrations at Esplanade and Hazra Road crossing, on Saturday, taking the police by surprise. Not unexpectedly, they threw the late afternoon traffic into chaos.




The police took a while to get their act together and then resorted to lathi-charge to remove the blockades. At least 13 SUCI supporters were arrested. SUCI leader Provas Ghosh alleged 17 demonstrators were seriously injured in the lathicharge.



Two of them were admitted to hospital. The demonstration was in protest against the chaotic health care system. Ghosh alleged that the health budget was being slashed, equipment was lying defunct and doctors and nurses had no accountability.



Ghosh wanted the state government to convene a meeting of various hospital heads, senior doctors and political parties to discuss ways to improve the health care system.



The SUCI supporters were also protesting against the decision of the state government to put curbs on holding public meetings and processions.