West Bengal Governor Urges Restraint Amid Protests Over Doctor's Death

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose urged the state government to avoid using power against peacefully protesting students. The call comes amidst heightened security surrounding the Nabanna Abhijan Rally, aimed at protesting a recent tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor.

Amid heightened security at the West Bengal state secretariat due to the Nabanna Abhijan Rally, Governor CV Ananda Bose on Tuesday urged the state government to refrain from using force to suppress the 'peaceful protesting students.' Bose emphasized the Supreme Court's stance, noting that democracy should not silence the majority.

In a video message, the Governor said, 'In the context of the peaceful protest announced by the student community of West Bengal and the reported suppression of the protest by certain government instructions, I urge the government to remember the Supreme Court's strong pronouncement. Let not the power of the state of West Bengal be unleashed on peaceful protesters. Democracy cannot silence the majority!' The rally, organized by Paschim Banga Chatra Samaj and other groups, aims to protest the recent rape and murder of a woman trainee doctor in Kolkata.

On Monday, West Bengal Police declared the Nabanna Abhijan Rally to reach the State Secretariat 'illegal,' branding it an attempt to incite widespread unrest in Kolkata. Ahead of the protest, the police deployed vajra vehicles, water cannons, and the Riot Control Force, and containers were placed to block roads.

In light of Nabanna Abhiyan, the Kolkata Police issued a traffic advisory and created diversions for several routes connecting the city to various regions. Earlier on Monday, Additional Commissioner of Police Kolkata, Supratim Sarkar, said their application by 'Paschimbanga Chhatro Samaj' to hold a rally on August 27 was rejected.

Sarkar noted the rejection was due to the group's failure to seek formal permission and provide sufficient details. The brutal rape and murder of a woman trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 have sparked nationwide outrage, leading to numerous protests demanding justice.

(With inputs from agencies.)