Kolkata On High Alert: 6,000 Police Deployed For ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ Protest Demanding Mamata’s Resignation

Kolkata Police have deployed over 6,000 personnel across the city on Tuesday, August 27, in preparation for a planned ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ protest march to the state secretariat in Howrah.

The demonstration, organized by the Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj and other groups, seeks the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in response to the recent rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The Kolkata Police had previously rejected the group’s application for the rally due to the lack of formal permission and inadequate details.

In anticipation of the protest, authorities have positioned vajra vehicles, water cannons, and riot control forces throughout the city, with roadblocks set up to manage potential disruptions.

The West Bengal Police has labeled the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ rally as illegal and an attempt to incite unrest. The unregistered Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj, along with Sangrami Joutha Mancha, which advocates for state government employees’ benefits, has called for the protest in light of the horrific crime.

The Kolkata Police have also issued a traffic advisory with diversions affecting major routes.

Vehicles traveling from Kolaghat and Dankuni are advised to use Nibedita Setu, while restrictions are in place on several key routes including Kona Expressway and Howrah Railway Station areas.

The brutal rape and murder of the trainee doctor on August 9 has sparked nationwide outrage, with the prime suspect, Sanjay Roy, currently in Central Bureau of Investigation custody as the probe continues.