Tensions Rise in West Bengal as Police Brace for Protest Rally

The West Bengal police have tightened security around the state secretariat 'Nabanna' ahead of the Nabanna Abhijan Rally, called to protest a recent rape-murder case. The police declared the rally illegal and warned of potential unrest, prompting traffic diversions and heavy deployment of security personnel.

In response to the Nabanna Abhijan Rally planned for Tuesday to protest the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case, the West Bengal police have significantly tightened security near the state secretariat 'Nabanna'. Ahead of the demonstration, the police have deployed vajra vehicles, water cannons, and the Riot Control Force, while also positioning containers to block the roads.

On Monday, the West Bengal Police labelled the Nabanna Abhijan Rally as 'illegal,' describing it as an attempt to incite widespread unrest in Kolkata. Organized by the Paschim Banga Chatra Samaj and other groups, the rally aims to protest the recent rape and murder of a woman trainee doctor in Kolkata.

In light of the planned rally, Kolkata Police issued a traffic advisory, enforcing diversions on several routes connecting different regions to the city. As per the advisory, vehicles coming from Kolaghat on NH 16 intending to use the 2nd Hooghly Bridge can use Nibedita Setu from Nibra. Similarly, vehicles from Dankuni side can also use Nibedita Setu to reach Kolkata.

Howrah-bound vehicles from Kolkata intending to use the 2nd Hooghly or Howrah Bridge can opt for Nibedita Setu. Meanwhile, Kolkata-bound traffic from Howrah Railway Station intending to use either bridge can use GT Road and Nibedita Setu. The vehicular movement is restricted on several routes, including Kona Expressway, Andul Road, GT Road, and Foreshore Road.

Routes affected include Howrah Railway Station to Grand Foreshore Road, H.M Bose Road/ RB Setu/ HIT Bridge to Howrah Bridge Kolkata side, HIT Bridge to RB Setu, and MB Road to NS Road- Mallick Fatak. On Monday, Additional Commissioner of Police Kolkata, Supratim Sarkar, stated that the application by Paschimbanga Chhatra Samaj for the rally was rejected due to lack of formal permission and insufficient details.

Sarkar mentioned, 'They had announced through social media and the press about the Nabanna Abhijan on 27th August, but did not seek the mandatory permission as per High Court directives.' The rape and murder of a woman trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has sparked nationwide outrage, leading to multiple protests demanding justice. The trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)