1. The August 27 march in West Bengal demands Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation over a trainee doctor’s alleged rape and murder.
2. Additional Commissioner Supratim Sarkar announced the rejection of the March application by the student group Paschimbanga Chhatro Samaj.
3. The march faces significant obstacles and heightened tensions from law enforcement.
Kolkata, Aug 27: Tensions mounted in West Bengal over the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ march scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, demanding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation.
The protest, driven by the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, faced obstacles as Additional Commissioner of Police Supratim Sarkar announced the rejection of the march application by the student group Paschimbanga Chhatro Samaj.
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- Nabanna Abhijan Call: The march was organized by the unregistered Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj and Sangrami Joutha Mancha, a state government employees’ group seeking parity in DA with central counterparts.
- Police Stance: West Bengal Police labeled the rallies as “illegal” and “unauthorised,” citing social media-driven support and implementing measures to prevent potential law and order issues.
- Impact on UGC-NET: Spokesperson Sayan Lahiri assured that the march would not disrupt UGC-NET exams, scheduled in two shifts: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
- Police Precautions: ADG (Law and Order) Manoj Verma reported intelligence on possible violence by miscreants. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS were imposed to prevent large gatherings near Nabanna.
- Security Measures: Approximately 4,500 police personnel were deployed at key locations in Kolkata and Howrah. Riot-control measures included water cannons, tear gas, guard rails, and drones.
- Trinamool Congress Allegations: The Trinamool Congress called the rally a “conspiracy” and released videos of BJP leaders allegedly planning to incite violence. The leaders were detained for questioning.
- BJP’s Position: The Bengal BJP stated it would not participate in the march but supported protests demanding justice for the victim. BJP President Sukanta Majumdar condemned the circulation of “doctored” videos.
- Governor’s Appeal: Governor CV Ananda Bose urged the state government to allow the students to organize the rally without using force.
- Nationwide Outrage: The brutal rape and murder of the trainee doctor sparked widespread outrage and numerous protests across the country, calling for justice.
