Tensions Mount in Kolkata Ahead of Nabanna Abhijan Rally

West Bengal Police have tightened security at Fort William in Kolkata ahead of the Nabanna Abhijan Rally. Civic workers greased check gates, and police deployed heavy forces, riot control vehicles, and containers to block roads. Governor Bose urged the government to allow peaceful protests amidst public outrage over a trainee doctor's murder.

In a move to control potential protests, civic workers greased check gates at Fort William in Kolkata's Hastings area ahead of the Nabanna Abhijan Rally set for today. Heavy police forces have been deployed across the area to manage the gatherings.

The West Bengal Police have also stationed vajra vehicles, water cannons, and the Riot Control Force while placing containers to block roads. The Nabanna march, organized by Paschim Banga Chatra Samaj and other groups, aims to protest the recent rape and murder of a woman trainee doctor in Kolkata.

Amid heightened security, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Tuesday urged the state government not to use force against 'peaceful protesting students.' He reminded the government about the Supreme Court's verdict, emphasizing that democracy cannot silence the majority.

In a video message, Governor Bose said, 'In the context of the peaceful protest announced by the student community of West Bengal and the reported suppressions by the government, I urge the government to remember the Supreme Court's pronouncement. Let not the state's power be unleashed on peaceful protestors. Democracy cannot silence the majority.'

On Monday, Kolkata's Additional Commissioner of Police, Supratim Sarkar, stated that they had rejected Paschimbanga Chhatro Samaj's application to hold the 'Nabanna Abhijan' rally on August 27 due to insufficient details and lack of formal permission. The brutal rape and murder of the trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 had sparked nationwide outrage and several protests demanding justice.

(With inputs from agencies.)