Saffron-clad protesters gather at Kolkata newspaper office

Kolkata witnessed a show of force on Tuesday as saffron-clad protesters assembled outside the Anandabazar Patrika office, intensifying tensions between the Bengali-language daily and various groups. The demonstration followed the newspaper's coverage of clashes at Jadavpur University, during which it employed the phrase "saffron hooliganism" in its reporting.

The controversy has widened beyond the protest itself, with First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against members of the newspaper's editorial team. The exact nature of charges in these complaints remains unclear, though they appear linked to the language used in the publication's reporting on the university violence.

The incident reflects broader sensitivities surrounding media coverage of communal and political issues in West Bengal. The Anandabazar Patrika, one of the state's oldest and most widely-read publications, has faced criticism from various quarters in recent years over its editorial positioning.

Authorities have not issued statements regarding the protest or the ongoing dispute between the newspaper and those who filed complaints. The situation underscores the contentious relationship between sections of the media and activist organizations in the state.