Kolkata: Police use teargas, water cannons on 'Nabanna Abhijan' protesters
Law enforcement agencies in Kolkata are attempting to control a protest march which is headed toward the state secretariat, Nabanna. The demonstration was sparked by the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. Riot police have resorted to using tear gas shells and water cannons to prevent protesters from reaching their destination.
Security measures intensified amid unapproved protest
The Kolkata Police and Howrah City Police, along with combat forces, Heavy Radio Flying Squads (HRFS), Rapid Action Force (RAF), Quick Reaction Teams (QRT), and water cannons have been mobilized to manage potential disturbances. The ruling Trinamool Congress has alleged a "conspiracy" behind the unauthorized protest march, aimed at inciting violence. In response, Kolkata Police have fortified Nabanna with around 6,000 officers and drones monitoring the protesters' movements.
Protesters demand CM's resignation over horrific crime
The protesters, who assembled at College Square before marching toward Nabanna, are demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the rape and murder case. Various student organizations and citizen forums have joined this protest. The call for "Nabanna Abhijan" was issued by Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj (West Bengal Students Community) and Sangrami Joutha Mancha (Joint Platform of Struggle), a state government employees' organization seeking parity in dearness allowance with central government counterparts.
Protests amid UGC-NET exams
Notably, the protests are taking place place as thousands of students are set to take their exams across various centers in Kolkata on Tuesday. Kolkata Police have made special arrangements to ensure students appearing for UGC-NET exams can reach their examination centers without hindrance. Additionally, the organization behind the protest Chatra Samaj Spokesperson Sayan Lahiri has assured that their democratic protest will not disrupt the UGC-NET candidates.
RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case
The body of the 31-year-old trainee doctor was discovered in a semi-naked state in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College on August 9. The autopsy revealed that she had been sexually assaulted before being strangled and smothered to death. The accused, Sanjoy Roy, was arrested the day after the incident for allegedly assaulting and killing her.
