40 years ago August 24, 1986: Clash at phone exchange

On August 24, 1986, a clash erupted at a phone exchange, with troops equipped with machine guns and in battle fatigues asserting control. Women staff inside the building were forcibly ordered to either work or leave. When the women resisted, they were forcefully removed, with no female constables present to assist. Male staff members were attacked by the police when they attempted to express their dissent by shouting slogans against P C Sethi, a Congress-I MP.

The Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, expressed his apprehension over the financial losses incurred due to public sector losses, emphasizing that this issue required nationwide attention. While inaugurating a Congress Seva Dal training camp in Nainital, Gandhi stated that the government did not wish to compromise the workers' wages, assuring them that their earnings would not be affected.

Meanwhile, in Baroda, a powerful blast shattered the basement of the Suraj Plaza extension building, resulting in injuries to three individuals, two of whom suffered severe burns. The injured were promptly taken to Sayajigunj Hospital. A hospital source revealed that the extent of the burns ranged from 60-80 percent.

In a separate incident, West Bengal Pradesh Congress (I) President Priya Ranjan Das Munshi narrowly avoided being attacked at his office in Central Calcutta. A mob stormed into his office room, but his personal security guard fired three warning shots into the air, successfully dispersing the unruly group.