Protests Ignite Following Arrests at Kolkata Durga Puja

Nine young individuals were arrested in Kolkata for demonstrating at a Durga Puja venue for justice in a high-profile rape-murder case. They were associated with a pro-Naxal student group and were advocating for junior doctors. The incident has intensified existing protests and drawn criticism from various sectors.

Kolkata witnessed heightened tensions on Thursday after nine youths were remanded to police custody for seven days, following their arrest for staging a protest at a Durga Puja event. Their slogans demanded justice for the rape-murder case linked to RG Kar hospital.

The young individuals, mostly in their 20s, were identified as part of a pro-Naxal student outfit. Police apprehended them at a noted South Kolkata Durga Puja venue where they were distributing leaflets in support of ongoing junior doctors' protests.

The move has sparked widespread criticism, with one junior doctor labeling it as an expansion of the movement beyond medical professionals. Meanwhile, TMC's Kunal Ghosh suggested the police could have opted for temporary detention rather than stringent charges, warning that attention may inadvertently bolster those inciting unrest.

(With inputs from agencies.)