National Desk, 28th August: In response to mounting tensions following the murder and alleged sexual assault of a female trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, Kolkata has witnessed a significant increase in security measures. The incident, which has sparked nationwide outrage, has led to widespread demonstrations, prompting the BJP to call for a 12-hour ‘Bengal Bandh’ in protest against what they describe as a severe police crackdown during the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ rally.
To preempt potential violence, city officials have introduced extraordinary precautions, including a mandate for government bus drivers and conductors in Kolkata to wear helmets. This measure has also been extended to the North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC), where bus drivers in Cooch Behar have been seen adhering to the new safety regulation.
On August 27, protests escalated into chaos as demonstrators, aiming to reach the West Bengal State Secretariat, Nabanna, clashed with security forces. The confrontation at Howrah Bridge saw the police deploying tear gas, water cannons, and baton charges in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Despite these efforts, protesters persisted, scaling and dismantling police barricades in Santragachi as they advanced towards the Secretariat.
The unrest underscores the intensifying public fury over the RG Kar Medical College incident, as the city’s situation remains volatile and the administration grapples with maintaining order amidst the ongoing demonstrations.