How ‘bulldozer justice’ undermines the law

Tensions escalate as bulldozer razes structures in Kolkata’s iconic New Market

Tensions escalated in Kolkata as bulldozers razed multiple structures in the city’s iconic New Market on Tuesday (May 5, 2026) evening. Photo: Screengrab via X/@KBanerjee_AITC

Tensions escalated in Kolkata as bulldozers razed multiple structures in the city’s iconic New Market on Tuesday (May 5, 2026) evening. Similar visuals were seen in Murshidabad’s Jiaganj as a Lenin statue was vandalised by a mob. The Trinamool Congress leaders alleged targeted attack by Bharatiya Janta Party workers. “In central Kolkata, near New Market. With police permission. As part of victory celebrations, a bulldozer was brought in to demolish meat shops. CAPF standing around. THE BJP FOR YOU,” TMC’s Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien said on his social media. He shared a video of a bulldozer taking on the structures outside New Market.

Published - May 06, 2026 10:41 am IST

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Tensions escalated in Kolkata as bulldozers razed multiple structures in the city’s iconic New Market on Tuesday (May 5, 2026) evening. Photo: Screengrab via X/@KBanerjee_AITC

Published - May 06, 2026 10:41 am IST

Supporters with bulldozers attend a public meeting of U.P. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in

| Photo Credit: PTI

The sight of a five-year-old gifting a toy to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on March 27 at Gorakhpur made for a tender photo moment. The Chief Minister returned the gift and asked the child to focus on her studies.A child showing her admiration for a political leader is nothing out of the ordinary, as leaders are meant to be role models for the younger generation. But the five-year-old’s choice of toy — a replica of a bulldozer — raises uncomfortable questions. The episode not only shows public approval for “bulldozer justice”, it also reflects the normalisation of extrajudicial action by the state. What is arguably a problematic political symbol is now part of our everyday consciousness and holds the potential to influence impressionable minds. Published - May 06, 2026 02:00 am IST

How ‘bulldozer justice’ undermines the law

Tensions escalate as bulldozer razes structures in Kolkata’s iconic New Market

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Tensions escalate as bulldozer razes structures in Kolkata’s iconic New Market

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