Kolkata Protest Turns Chaotic: Police Use Tear Gas, Water Cannons, and Lathicharge at Nabanna Abhijan
Chaos engulfed Kolkata as the Nabanna Abhijan protest turned violent on Tuesday. Thousands of protesters gathered, demanding the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the rape-murder case of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The situation escalated at Howrah Bridge when protesters began throwing stones and breaking through barricades.
Police Action at Howrah Bridge
To control the crowd, the Kolkata Police resorted to using tear gas, water cannons, and lathicharge. The situation became intense as protesters climbed over barricades, waving the Tricolour, and attempted to breach the three-layered security setup at Howrah Bridge.
Security Measures in Place
Over 6,000 police personnel, including Heavy Radio Flying Squads (HRFS), Rapid Action Force (RAF), and Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), were deployed to prevent the protesters from reaching Nabanna, the state secretariat. The police also used drones and robocops to monitor the situation. Anti-riot VAJRA vehicles were stationed at key points.
Protest Declared Illegal
The West Bengal Police declared the protest illegal, stating that no permission had been sought for the march. Iron and aluminium barricades, some smeared with oil to prevent climbing, were placed at over 20 locations near Nabanna.
Organizers and Arrests
The protest was organized by Paschimbanga Chhatra Samaj, an unregistered student group, led by students from Rabindra Bharati University, Kalyani University, and Rabindra Mukta University. Four individuals were arrested before the march for allegedly planning large-scale violence. The police claimed they were involved in a conspiracy to commit murder.
Political Reactions
The ruling Trinamool Congress accused the BJP of orchestrating the protest to provoke violence, which the BJP strongly denied. The incident has heightened tensions in the state, with both parties trading blame.
Background of the Protest
The protest was sparked by the discovery of the semi-naked body of a 31-year-old postgraduate student in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College on August 9. A civil volunteer with the Kolkata Police was arrested in connection with the crime.
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