Political Tensions Escalate in Bengal Over Rape-Murder Case Protests

Union Minister Lalan Singh blamed West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for police action on protesters over a rape-murder case. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress and BJP clashed about the protests and the 'Bengal Bandh'. TMC accused BJP of inciting anarchy as police dispersed protesters with water cannons and tear gas.

Union Minister Lalan Singh has held West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accountable for police actions against protesters on August 27, following the murder-rape case at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. Singh claimed, "In West Bengal, there is no government in place. There is a climate of anarchy. The CM of the state is a woman. But when there is a demonstration against the violence against women, Mamata Banerjee as the Chief Minister, orders a lathi charge and tear gas on the protesters."

Singh further alleged that Banerjee's actions echo those of the earlier CPIM regime. Responding to questions, Singh asserted, "NDA is very strong and NDA is getting stronger. The coming time belongs to NDA."

Earlier, workers from the Trinamool Congress staged a protest against the BJP's 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh' which was called in response to the alleged police crackdown on the 'Nabanna Abhijan' demonstration. Trinamool Congress has accused the BJP of attempting to create anarchy in Bengal.

TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh stated, "We all want justice in the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case. Mamata Banerjee also wants justice...the case is now in CBI's hands...One accused has been arrested...now the CBI is investigating the matter...They (BJP) are trying to create anarchy here, yesterday they attacked the police and today they have called this bandh...Everything is normal in Bengal...The people of West Bengal have rejected BJP's bandh."

The 'Nabanna Abhiyan' rally, which began at College Square, saw heightened security as protesters gathered at Santragachi in Howrah. Police used water cannons to disperse the crowd, who climbed barricades and clashed with officers. Tear gas shells were lobbed to disperse protesters who had dragged away police barricades.

(With inputs from agencies.)