CALCUTTA: Police sources here said six people had been killed and 20 injured, but unofficially the number of deaths were put at 11, following a two-hour hit-and-run battle between Police and cricket fans who failed to see the fourth day’s play of the India-Australia Cricket Test here, which Australia won.

After three days of peaceful cricket in this Fourth Test, disturbances broke out around the Eden Garden stadium when thousands of people, who had queued all night for tickets, started throwing stones and missiles at the Police. The crowd burst into violence when tickets ran short.

During the stampede, Police made baton charges and used tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Police were able to clear the area around the stadium and then strengthen their patrols. Play started ten minutes late before a sparse crowd. One photographer claimed he was hit by Lawry. This enraged a section of spectators who chanted “Go Back Lawry”. The chanting continued until the end of the match.

When the match was over, spectators squatting on the ground surged forward towards the pitch. Lawry sought police protection while the Indian fielders stood in a circle around the Australian batsmen to protect the visitors...

Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2019