Protests in Kolkata Turn Violent During RG Kar Justice March
Kolkata witnessed intense scenes of confrontation on Saturday as police resorted to a lathi-charge on protestors during a large-scale justice march marking the first anniversary of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case. The march, part of the ‘Nabanna Chalo Abhiyan’, was led by senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Suvendu Adhikari and Agnimitra Paul, alongside the victim’s parents, who called upon citizens to join their fight for justice.
The rally was intended to move towards the West Bengal state secretariat, Nabanna, but quickly escalated into clashes when police attempted to halt the procession. Protestors, many of whom were carrying the national Tricolour and placards demanding justice, vowed to reach the secretariat despite heavy barricading.
BJP Leaders Join Without Party Flags
In a move to keep the focus on the victim and her family, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari urged BJP workers to join the march without party flags or symbols. Addressing the gathering at Dorina Crossing in central Kolkata’s Esplanade, Adhikari accused the Mamata Banerjee administration of being “afraid” of the swelling protest crowd.
“The Mamata Banerjee government is fearing this massive turnout. We are here for justice, not politics,” Adhikari stated, as he marched alongside the victim’s grieving parents and a group of BJP MLAs.
Heavy Security and Road Closures in Kolkata
Authorities had prepared for the high-tension protest with massive police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployments across key points in Kolkata and Howrah. Strategic areas were fortified with multi-layer barricades, while drones were deployed for aerial surveillance.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were imposed in and around Nabanna to prevent mass gatherings. Vehicular movement across the Howrah Bridge and Vidyasagar Setu was suspended, causing significant traffic disruptions. Water cannons were also kept ready as a precaution.
Why the March Took Place
The protests marked one year since a horrific crime that shook West Bengal. Last year, a young female doctor on duty at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was brutally raped and murdered inside the hospital premises. The incident sparked outrage across the state and calls for justice that continue to reverberate.
The victim’s parents, who have been at the forefront of the fight for accountability, appealed to the public to join the Nabanna march in solidarity. “We want justice for our daughter, and we will not stop until it is delivered,” they said.
Clashes and Police Action
Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as police attempted to disperse the advancing protestors near barricaded points. The situation escalated when a section of the crowd tried to break through security lines, prompting the police to use batons in a lathi-charge. Some protestors were reportedly injured, while others were detained for violating prohibitory orders.
Authorities maintained that the lathi-charge was necessary to maintain law and order, citing concerns over public safety and compliance with restrictions near the secretariat.
Political Reactions and Public Anger
The incident has triggered fresh political tensions in West Bengal, with BJP leaders accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of suppressing democratic protest. “This is not just about one incident; it’s about the safety of women in Bengal,” Agnimitra Paul said during the march.
On the other hand, TMC leaders have accused the BJP of politicizing the tragedy and disrupting public order for political gain.
Justice Movement Continues
As the Nabanna Chalo Abhiyan concluded under heavy police surveillance, the victim’s parents vowed to continue their campaign. “We will march again, we will fight again. Our daughter’s soul deserves justice,” they declared.
The RG Kar rape-murder case remains under public and judicial scrutiny, with civil society groups and political parties calling for faster investigation and stronger safety measures for women in public institutions.
