Opposition Leader Slams Police Brutality at 'Nabanna Abhijan' Rally

Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, accused the police of using excessive force against peaceful participants of the 'Nabanna Abhijan' rally. He warned of stalling West Bengal if the alleged brutalities were not ceased. The rally, organized by Chhatra Samaj, sought justice and safety for women.

Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, on Tuesday criticized the police for what he described as ''brutal repression'' on peaceful participants of the 'Nabanna Abhijan' rally. He threatened to stall the state if the alleged brutalities by the state administration didn't cease.

''Police are using water cannons on peaceful protestors at Santragachi, burst tear gas shells on students at Howrah Bridge, and lathicharged them at College Street. Please stop these brutalities immediately,'' the senior BJP leader told reporters.

Adhikari warned that if police repression isn't halted immediately, the BJP would stall West Bengal. ''An alarming situation has been created by this administration. Scores of protestors have been injured. If Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and the DGP don't stop such brutalities, we will not sit idle,'' he declared. Adhikari mentioned his plan to visit Howrah station and claimed not to be participating in the Chhatra Samaj movement directly as requested by the organizers.

Adhikari also noted that over 8,000 policemen were deployed by Kolkata Police to prevent peaceful students from demanding justice on the road. The organizer, Chhatra Samaj, emphasized that their protest was apolitical, aiming to highlight the alleged failure of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in ensuring the safety of women.

(With inputs from agencies.)