On this day, several people were killed in the city as police fired on a demonstration against rising food prices. According to some estimates, about 80 people lost their lives. Other accounts claim about 20 people died.
Left parties had formed the Price Increase and Famine Resistance Committee to protest the food crisis. Food prices had shot up during the 50s.
Hoarding and black-markets had become rampant in Bengal, and these had created a near-famine situation. The Left-led committee wanted price control, redistribution of land and confiscation of excess private land. It launched a massive campaign and held general strikes and large demonstrations.
On August 31, a massive demonstration was held. It paralysed the city. To control its outbursts, police fired on the demonstration.