Kolkata Rape-Murder Outrage Heightened Security Around Nabanna as Students Rally for Justice
Kolkata has witnessed heightened security measures as student group Paschimbanga Chhatra Samaj organized a protest march on Tuesday, August 27, demanding justice for a trainee doctor allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Kolkata Police have deployed over 6,000 personnel across the city to prevent any untoward incidents.
Kolkata Tensions Rise as Security Tightened Amid Student Protest Over Doctor’s Death
Nabanna, the West Bengal secretariat in Howrah, has been fortified with a three-layered security setup, including personnel from Kolkata Police and Howrah City Police, as reported by India Today. This security measure is in response to the planned march by Paschimbanga Chhatra Samaj, which is pushing for the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the arrest of those responsible for the tragic incident.
According to PTI, the protest was called by Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj, an unregistered student group, alongside Sangrami Joutha Mancha, an organization representing state government employees demanding salary parity with their Central government counterparts.
To maintain order during the march, the authorities have deployed additional forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Quick Reaction Teams (QRT), Heavy Radio Flying Squads (HRFS), and water cannons. Barricades have been erected at 19 strategic locations across the city, with five additional aluminum barricades at key points.
High-ranking police officers, including those of Additional Commissioner and Joint Commissioner ranks, are tasked with monitoring the situation at vital points such as Howrah Bridge, Hastings, and Hooghly Bridge.
Kolkata Police Advisory for UGC NET Candidates
Ahead of the scheduled UGC NET June 2024 exams on Tuesday, August 27, Kolkata Police issued an advisory assuring candidates of a secure environment to reach their examination centers. The police presence is expected to minimize disruptions caused by the protest. In case of any emergencies, candidates have been advised to seek assistance from nearby police personnel.
In a post on X, Kolkata Police emphasized their commitment to ensuring that UGC NET candidates face no issues reaching their examination venues.
Authorities Declare Protests ‘Unauthorized’
Labeling the rallies as “illegal” and “unauthorized,” the state police have expressed concerns about potential violence. ADG (Law and Order) Manoj Verma highlighted intelligence reports indicating possible attempts by miscreants to incite chaos within the peaceful protest.
Prohibitory orders have been imposed near Nabanna under Section 163 of BNSS, restricting the assembly of five or more people.
TMC Alleges ‘Conspiracy,’ Governor Appeals for Restraint
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the rally organizers of conspiring to create unrest, citing videos of alleged BJP leaders plotting to incite violence. These leaders have been detained for questioning by the police.
In contrast, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, in a video message, urged the state government to refrain from using force against peaceful protestors. He reminded the government of the Supreme Court’s stance on allowing peaceful protests, while also acknowledging the state’s right to exercise lawful authority.
Student Leaders Reaffirm Peaceful Intentions
Sayan Lahiri, spokesperson for Chhatra Samaj, dismissed the accusations made by TMC and the police as baseless. Lahiri asserted that the rally aims to peacefully demand the Chief Minister’s resignation due to her failure to prevent the RG Kar incident, which has shocked the nation. He emphasized that the protest is organized by an apolitical platform, with no connections to BJP, RSS, or ABVP, and that all necessary permissions have been sought from the police.