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In response to the 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh' called by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), security has been significantly tightened across Kolkata. This protest was organised as a reaction to what the BJP claims was an excessive police crackdown during the 'Nabanna Abhijan' rally, which took place in the state capital on 27th August. The protest itself was a demonstration against the state government and following what many perceive as a failure to adequately address recent incidents of violence.
Outrage Over RG Kar Medical College Incident
The immediate backdrop to these protests is the murder and alleged sexual assault of a female trainee doctor on August 9 at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This tragic event has sparked national outrage, leading to a series of protests and rallies across various states. The public’s frustration has been further fueled by perceived delays and inadequacies in the handling of the case by authorities.
Police Measures to Maintain Law and Order
To prevent any escalation of violence during the bandh, authorities have deployed police personnel throughout the city. Dendup Sherpa, the Additional Superintendent of Police in Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal had stated that law enforcement is on high alert to maintain law and order. The administration is cautious of potential clashes and has also taken unusual precautions by instructing drivers and conductors of government buses in Kolkata to wear helmets for their safety.
Drivers Express Concerns Over Safety
In line with these precautions, drivers of the North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) were seen wearing helmets in Cooch Behar. A bus driver, speaking to ANI, explained, "We are wearing helmets because of the bandh today. The department has provided us with these helmets." Another driver shared his apprehensions, noting, "I am a bit scared. It is for safety. It is a government order. The helmet is causing some difficulty while driving, but we have to comply."
Tensions Flare in Kolkata Streets
The situation escalated further on August 27 when chaos erupted on the streets of Kolkata. Security forces resorted to using tear gas, water cannons, and baton charges to disperse protesters who were marching on the Howrah Bridge, headed towards the West Bengal State Secretariat, Nabanna. The protestors were voicing their anger over the handling of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case which continues to stir strong emotions across the state.
Protests Erupt at Howrah Bridge: A Detailed Overview
On a tense day at the Howrah Bridge, protestors gathered in large numbers as part of the 'Nabanna Abhijan' march. The atmosphere quickly escalated as demonstrators climbed over police barricades and engaged in confrontations with law enforcement officers. The protestors were seen forcefully dismantling and dragging away barriers that had been set up in the Santragachi area which was part of the route leading to the Secretariat.
Accusations Fly Between Political Rivals
During the chaos, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of instigating the unrest. The TMC claimed that the BJP was behind the disorder suggesting that the opposition party had deliberately planned the turmoil. They expressed their outrage through a post on their official X account stating, “BJP's idea of a 'peaceful protest': Pelt stones and push barricades, severely injure the police, orchestrate extreme chaos, and disrupt the law and order of the state. The 'Nabanna Abhiyan' combined by the BJP is nothing short of a fatal attack on Bengal.” This statement reflects the TMC's view that the BJP’s actions were not only disruptive but also a serious threat to the stability of the region.
The Context of the Protests
These protests were sparked by a tragic incident that occurred on August 9, involving the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor within the seminar hall of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This horrific event has deeply affected the community and has been a rallying point for those demanding justice and accountability. The outrage over this incident has fueled the protests which is leading to sensitive tensions between political factions and among the public.
The events at Howrah Bridge during the 'Nabanna Abhijan' protest highlight the ongoing political strife in the region, exacerbated by recent violent incidents. As accusations and confrontations continue, the situation remains volatile and thereby reflecting broader societal issues that demand urgent attention.
Tension Rises in Kolkata as Police Clash with Protesters During ‘Nabanna Abhiyan’ March
In a significant display of unrest, the West Bengal police employed water cannons to disperse protesters who had assembled at the iconic Howrah Bridge during the ‘Nabanna Abhiyan’ march, a demonstration organized by the student group Paschimbanga Chattro Samaj. The situation escalated to the point where authorities reported the arrest of 94 individuals involved in the protest.
Police Deny Protest Permission
Despite the increasing public anger and calls for accountability, the West Bengal police refused to grant permission for the march. This denial however, did little to deter the determined protesters, who pressed forward with their plans. The authorities, anticipating potential violence, took extensive precautions by barricading major roads leading to the State Secretariat, known as Nabanna and deploying thousands of police personnel across Kolkata.
Junior Doctors’ Front Distances Itself
It’s important to note that the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front, an influential group in the medical community had issued an official statement clarifying that they were not involved in organizing the student rally and would not be participating in the march. Their disassociation highlights the complexity of the situation and the varied responses within the medical fraternity.
Security Measures and Anticipated Clashes
As the clock ticked towards the scheduled start of the march at 2 p.m., the atmosphere in Kolkata grew increasingly tense. The heavy police presence and the extensive security measures reflected the administration’s concerns about potential clashes. The use of water cannons and the mass arrests emphasize the intensity of the ongoing standoff between the state government and the protesters.
The ‘Nabanna Abhiyan’ march stands as a stark reminder of the growing unrest in West Bengal, fueled by deep-seated grievances and a demand for justice that continues to resonate across the state.
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