National Desk, 27th August: Kolkata is on high alert as the city prepares for the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ protest march organized by the Paschimbanga Chhatra Samaj. The student group is demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in response to the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
To manage the anticipated unrest, over 6,000 police personnel have been deployed across Kolkata. Security measures around Nabanna, the West Bengal state secretariat, have been significantly enhanced. A three-layered security setup includes barricades at 19 critical points, drone surveillance, and robocops. Additionally, Heavy Radio Flying Squads (HRFS), Rapid Action Force (RAF), and Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) are on standby.
The Kolkata Police have already arrested four individuals for allegedly planning to incite large-scale violence during the protest. These arrests address concerns about potential disruptions and threats of violence. Barricades have been fortified with oil to deter climbers, and anti-riot vehicles equipped with water cannons and tear gas shells are prepared for deployment.
Authorities have labeled the protest march as “illegal” due to the lack of an official permission request. The Paschimbanga Chhatra Samaj’s demands include capital punishment for the accused in the doctor’s case and the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Read More: RG Kar Medical College Returns to Normal Amid Protests and CBI Investigation