In a dramatic escalation of tensions in Kolkata, a student-led rally en route to the state secretariat, Nabanna, turned violent today as the Kolkata police employed lathicharge and tear gas to disperse the protesters. The demonstration, organized by the Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj, was intended to demand the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at R G Kar Hospital.
The situation intensified near Howrah, where police used water cannons and tear gas as the protesters, some of whom were reportedly breaking through barricades and throwing stones, clashed with law enforcement. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is believed to be supporting the student group, has accused the police of excessive force, claiming that several protesters sustained injuries during the confrontation.
In a related development, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari alleged that four student activists who were heading to Howrah railway station before the march had gone missing. The West Bengal police have dismissed these claims, stating that the individuals in question were detained for allegedly planning to incite large-scale violence and were involved in a conspiracy related to murder and attempted murder.
Regarding the ongoing investigation into the doctor’s case, the Kolkata police have faced criticism from opposition leaders who allege evidence tampering at the crime scene. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has named Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in an FIR for alleged financial irregularities. The results of a polygraph test on the prime suspect, Sanjay Roy, are awaited and are expected to be pivotal in determining whether the assault was the act of a single perpetrator or a group.
In response to today’s events, the BJP has announced a 12-hour Bangla Bandh for tomorrow, August 28, in protest against the handling of the situation and the alleged police brutality.