Water Cannons and Tear Gas Mark 'Nabanna Abhijan' Protest Amidst Calls for Justice

The 'Nabanna Abhijan' protest in Howrah saw violent clashes between protestors and police, who used water cannons, tear gas, and barricades. The march was driven by public outrage over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College. Governor Bose urged the government to respect democracy.

On Tuesday, police deployed water cannons against protestors who clashed with law enforcement at Santragachi in Howrah during the 'Nabanna Abhijan' protest march. Demonstrators dismantled barricades, prompting police to retaliate with lathicharge and tear gas.

The protest, fueled by anger over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, saw heavy police presence around the West Bengal state secretariat. Protestors, gathering at Santragachi and starting their march from College Square in Kolkata, carried the tricolour and chanted slogans.

The West Bengal Police utilized heavy forces, including vajra vehicles, to manage the crowd, while civic workers greased gates to deter entry. West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose urged the state to refrain from using force against peaceful protestors, reiterating the Supreme Court's stance on democratic expression.

Additional Commissioner of Police Kolkata, Supratim Sarkar, mentioned that the rally application by 'Paschimbanga Chhatro Samaj' was rejected due to lack of formal permission. Nationwide outrage continues over the death of the trainee doctor, found dead on August 9 at RG Kar Medical College, prompting ongoing protests.

(With inputs from agencies.)