Protesters in Kolkata broke through police barricades at Santaragachi, leading to a lathi-charge by the police. The police subsequently used water cannons to disperse the protesters. The protests in Kolkata over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor continue, with students and state employees rallying on Tuesday (27 August). The West Bengal Student Association and Sangrami Joutha Manch are leading the march towards Nabanna, the state secretariat. Nabanna houses the offices of the Chief Minister, ministers, and officials. The protest rally began around 12:45 PM. Protesters broke through barricades at Santaragachi, near Howrah, prompting the police to initiate a lathi-charge. Tear gas shells were fired, and water cannons were used to disperse the crowd. The police declared the rally illegal, citing violence. Several protesters were injured during the police action. Meanwhile, the BJP has called for a 12-hour Bengal bandh on Wednesday. To prevent protesters from reaching Nabanna, a three-layer security force of 6,000 personnel has been deployed across seven routes. Barricades have been set up at 19 points, and Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) have been stationed at 21 points. Howrah Bridge has been closed, and drones are being used for surveillance. Section 163 (CrPC Section 144) has been imposed near Nabanna, prohibiting gatherings of more than five people. Additionally, heavy containers have been placed on the roads to prevent protesters from advancing. The rape and murder of the trainee doctor occurred on the night of 8 August at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Her body was found on the morning of 9 August, leading to nationwide protests by doctors. Following an appeal by the Supreme Court, doctors in several hospitals called off their strike. However, protests continue. [caption id="attachment_16496" align="alignnone" width="1024"] nabanna abhijaan protest[/caption]

Live Updates

6 minutes ago Protesters clashed with police, with one police officer being injured. The police then retaliated by beating the protesters. 17 minutes ago A police officer was injured during the clash with protesters. 27 minutes ago Deputy Commissioner Indira Mukherjee stated that the number of injured will be announced later. 09:43 AM, 27 August 2024 Protesters marched in the Fort William area of Kolkata. 09:33 AM, 27 August 2024 Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters in the Howrah Bridge area. 09:28 AM, 27 August 2024 Protesters broke through barricades near Howrah Bridge. 08:44 AM, 27 August 2024 BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhattiya accused Mamata Banerjee of being the biggest dictator in the country and demanded a CBI investigation and polygraph tests for Mamata Banerjee and the Police Commissioner. 08:41 AM, 27 August 2024 Kolkata Police began arresting protesters near Howrah Bridge. 08:23 AM, 27 August 2024 Protesters responded to the lathi-charge and water cannons by throwing stones, injuring some police officers. 08:15 AM, 27 August 2024 08:09 AM, 27 August 2024 The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a money laundering case against RG Kar Medical College. 08:04 AM, 27 August 2024 Protesters continue their demonstration despite the use of water cannons by the police. 07:42 AM, 27 August 2024 Police used water cannons to disperse protesters. 07:38 AM, 27 August 2024 Containers have been placed near the Bengal Secretariat Nabanna. 07:22 AM, 27 August 2024 Protesters began gathering at Santaragachi. 07:08 AM, 27 August 2024 BJP alleges that four student activists are missing, while police claim they were planning violence. 06:49 AM, 27 August 2024 Security has been increased at Mamata Banerjee's residence on Harish Chatterjee Street. 06:26 AM, 27 August 2024 An iron wall has been erected, and pipes have been greased to prevent protesters from reaching Nabanna. 06:00 AM, 27 August 2024 Police have deployed a large number of personnel on the roads leading to Nabanna. 05:49 AM, 27 August 2024 Howrah Bridge has been closed by Kolkata Police. 05:46 AM, 27 August 2024 Section 163 (CrPC Section 144) has been imposed near Nabanna to prevent gatherings of more than five people. 05:45 AM, 27 August 2024 TMC accuses BJP of instigating violence among students. 05:45 AM, 27 August 2024 Main accused Sanjay Roy confesses to rape and murder in a polygraph test.