The situation in West Bengal is tense amid the call for a bandh on August 28. This comes in the aftermath of a violent incident that took place in Kolkata on August 17 during the Nabanna Abhjian protest rally.
This is the latest in the series of protests that have swept across the state following a rape and murder of a trainee doctor on 9 August.
Who called the statewide Bandh?
On Tuesday, the Kolkata police used tear gas and water cannons to break up the protestors heading towards the state secretariat. In response, Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP),the main opposition party in the state called for 12 hours state-wide Bandh on Wednesday to protest against what they described as police brutality.
Thousand of protestors, primarily BJP supporters, obstructed roads and railway tracks, and forced shops to close on Wednesday while authorities prepared for further demonstrations throughout the day.
5,000 Police Deployed Statewide
A senior police official reported that 5000 police personnel have been deployed across West Bengal to prevent any potential violence.
Dendup Sherpa, additional superintendent of police in Uttar Dinajpur, stated that officers are stationed throughout the state to ensure law and order.
Additionally, the state administration has instructed drivers and conductors of government buses in Kolkata to wear helmets.
Many drivers from the North Bengal Transport Commission have complied by wearing helmets to protect themselves.
BJP Leader’s Car Attacked
A BJP Leader reported that Trinamool Congress workers attacked his car in Bhatpara, North Parganas district, on Wednesday, he stated that he was on his way to visit Arjun Singh’s residence, a fellow BJP leader, shortly after leaving his house around 8:15 a.m his car was ambushed.
According to him, the road was blocked by a jetting machine and a group of 50-60 people targeted his car hurling bombs. This was followed by “6-7 rounds of gunfire”.
Arjun Singh corroborated the account, adding that seven bullets were fired at the car and that the attack had been made in the presence of a senior Bengal police officer. Singh asserted that the attack was a deliberate attempt on the life of Priyangu Pandey. He also mentioned that the driver was shot, and two people were injured with one in a serious condition
Violence erupts in Nabanna Abhiyaan Rally
A march to the West Bengal secretariat known as Nabanna Abhiyan was organized by the Paschim Banga Chatra Samaj and other groups to protect the recent rape and murder of women trainee doctor in Kolkata,
The rally began at College Square and continued to Santragachi in Howrah where tension escalated. Police deployed water cannons at protestors leading to clashes. Protesters also removed police barricades prompting the police to use lathi charges and tear gas to disperse them.
Mamata Dedicates Day to Victim
On Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee dedicated the foundation day of the party’s student wing, Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, to the woman trainee doctor who was tragically raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata earlier this month.
Banerjee expressed her deep sadness over the incident. Her handling of the case has faced intense criticism, with demands for her resignation from students, doctors, and BJP leaders alike.
CBI Consults Experts, ED Investigates
The CBI plans to consult medical experts from AIIMS Delhi to determine whether Sanjay Roy, the main accused currently in judicial custody, acted alone in the crime.
The agency is investigating both the rape and murder case and financial irregularities involving Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has acknowledged the CBI’s FIR and initiated a money laundering investigation against Dr. Ghosh.
