CALCUTTA RIOT

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 November 1945, Page 2

CALCUTTA RIOT

LONDON, Nov. 22. Disturbances have completely disrupted Calcutta’s transport system. Tram, bus and rickshaw men struck in protest against police action during the demonstrations. The Associated Press correspondent at Calcutta says that unconfirmed reports indicate that the death roll continues to mount. Hospitals, are so crowded with patients that they are unable to state the numbers treated. The police to-night opened fire twice against crowds who after day clashes, in which 15 British military vehicles were burned, were still milling around, protesting against the trial of an Indian National Army officer. Thousands of cheering demonstrators shouting “Quit India,” marched to the Government offices. Mobs attacked two American officers, who were forced to halt their car at a barricade. One officer suffered a fractured skull. There was no indication that the trouble was abating. A British military communique stated that such measures would be taken as were considered necessary to ensure that military and Government property was undamaged. Students in'Calcutta beat up a number of British and American troops, savs the “Daily Mail’s” correspondent, who adds that a police squad saved one soldier from being burnt alive. The mob attacked a military policeman when he'held up a procession of 50,000 persons to let Army trucks pass.