Tensions flared at Kolkata’s Netaji Indoor Stadium on Monday morning as unemployed teachers and non-teaching staff clashed with police over allegations that entry passes for a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were being illegally sold to ineligible individuals.
The meeting was convened for those affected by a Supreme Court verdict in a School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment scam, which led to the termination of nearly 26,000 appointments.
The situation quickly spiralled out of control, culminating in several scuffles between job seekers and law enforcement personnel by 11 a.m. Police deployed at the venue acted swiftly to contain the unrest and restore order.
The trouble reportedly stemmed from accusations that entry passes—meant strictly for eligible candidates—were being distributed for money. “We are taking all necessary steps to maintain order. Entry is being allowed only after proper verification of passes and those without valid passes are being thoroughly checked,” said Indira Mukherjee, deputy commissioner of police, central division.
Security arrangements were immediately tightened in and around the stadium. Mamata Banerjee arrived at the venue around noon.
The SSC controversy has continued to stoke anger among unemployed job aspirants. At a previous rally at the Shaheed Minar ground, another group of affected individuals had already issued a stern warning, calling for political unity in resolving the crisis.
Also read: WBSSC scam: BJP seeks relief for deserving teachers
The aggrieved candidates described the apex court’s decision as akin to a “death sentence.” They allege the verdict disregarded critical evidence and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) report. “If the CBI’s findings aren’t accepted, then what’s the point of the investigation?” asked one protester.
Many believe the Supreme Court rushed its judgement, claiming that unlike death penalty cases—often scrutinised over several years—this decision lacked proper deliberation. A petition seeking a review of the verdict is reportedly in progress.
Some demonstrators have gone as far as to threaten a boycott of the 2026 Assembly elections. “Unless a solution is found, no one will be allowed to contest. Elections will be held over our dead bodies,” one agitator declared.
The situation at Netaji Indoor Stadium remained tense, with continued appeals for all political parties—not just the ruling Trinamool Congress—to step forward and address what job seekers describe as a grave injustice.
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