New Delhi: Kolkata is bracing for a tense showdown on Tuesday as a protest march, “Nabannno Abhijan,” demanding justice for the brutal rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College, is set to converge on the state secretariat of the West Bengal Government, Nabanno. The city is on high alert, with the Kolkata Police deploying over 6,000 personnel and enacting stringent security measures, anticipating possible violence during the protest, NDTV reported.
The protest, organised by an unregistered group claiming to represent students, has sparked concerns of a wider conspiracy to create unrest and chaos. The police have uncovered evidence suggesting a coordinated effort to “misuse the anger of well-meaning citizens” and provoke large-scale disturbances.
Intelligence reports indicate a potential link between the protest organisers and a political party, raising questions about the true motives behind the demonstration. The city’s security apparatus has been bolstered, with barricades erected at strategic locations, including Hastings, Furlong Gate, Strand Road, and Howrah, to control the flow of protesters. The police have also assured special arrangements for students taking the UGC NET exams, highlighting the irony of a student body organising a disruptive protest on the day of crucial exams.
The Trinamool Congress has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating the protest, while the BJP claims Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is resorting to heavy-handed security measures out of desperation.
The tragic death of the young doctor has triggered widespread outrage and protests across India. In Bengal, the medical community has been on strike since the incident on August 9, demanding stringent action against perpetrators and improved safety for healthcare workers.
