Students and State Employees Defy Ban to Protest at Nabanna

Student organization 'Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj' and 'Sangrami Joutha Mancha' plan to proceed with their 'Nabanna Abhijan' rally despite it being declared illegal by the administration. The rally demands the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and justice for a doctor allegedly raped and murdered. The administration cites public disorder risks.

The 'Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj' and 'Sangrami Joutha Mancha' are pushing ahead with their 'Nabanna Abhijan' rally on Tuesday, defying an official ban declaring the event illegal.

The march towards the state secretariat demands the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and arrests in a case involving the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital. Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj is a non-registered student group, while Sangrami Joutha Mancha comprises state government employees seeking parity in Dearness Allowance with their Central government counterparts.

The state police have labeled the rally as 'illegal' and 'unauthorized,' warning of potential violence and public chaos. ADG (Law and Order) Manoj Verma has pointed to credible intelligence indicating miscreants may exploit the protest to incite disorder. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS are in place near Nabanna to curb gatherings.

The Trinamool Congress has criticized the rally as a 'conspiracy' to disrupt public peace, circulating videos alleged to show BJP leaders from Ghatal planning violence. Those featured in the videos have been detained. In anticipation of turmoil, various educational institutions have shifted to online classes or declared a holiday. Governor CV Ananda Bose has called on the government to avoid using force and uphold the students' right to protest.

(With inputs from agencies.)