Fresh clashes at Howrah Maidan; policeman injured as 'Nabanna Abhijan' protest escalates

MP, 27 August 2024, Kolkata: Fresh clashes erupted between police and protestors on GT Road in Howrah Maidan on Tuesday afternoon as participants of the 'Nabanna Abhijan' attempted to march towards the state secretariat. 

The rally, organized by the student group 'Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj' and the dissident state government employees' platform 'Sangrami Joutha Mancha,' demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the alleged rape-murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College. 

The protestors faced strong resistance as police lathi-charged and used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds. Protestors responded by hurling stones and bricks at security forces and attempting to topple barricades blocking their path. 

A policeman from Chanditala police station in Howrah Police Commissionerate was injured during the clashes. Similar violence unfolded in the Hastings and MG Road areas, where protestors also threw stones at police, who then chased them away. 

The rally, declared "illegal and unauthorized" by the state administration, saw large-scale security measures in place. Over 25 DCP-ranked officers oversaw arrangements in Kolkata, while four IGs, multiple DIGs, and SP-ranked officers led security in Howrah. 

Despite prohibitory orders near Nabanna under Section 163 of BNSS, preventing gatherings of five or more people, the protestors were undeterred. The police's preventive measures included the deployment of drone surveillance, tear gas shells, water cannons, and reinforced barricades across key points, including Howrah Bridge's Kolkata end and the Santragachhi Railway station on Kona Expressway. In Howrah, barricades were bolted to the ground at four places on Kona Expressway and other roads leading to the secretariat. 

Armed police, RAF, and special combat forces were stationed on both sides of the Hooghly River. As the protestors tried to breach barricades at multiple locations, police responded with force, leading to injuries on both sides. 

Traffic movement in both Kolkata and Howrah was severely restricted throughout the day. Governor CV Ananda Bose urged the state government to avoid using excessive force, advocating for the students' right to protest. 

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress accused the rally of being a "conspiracy" to incite public disorder, releasing videos allegedly showing BJP leaders planning to provoke violence. Several individuals shown in the videos were detained for questioning. In anticipation of potential unrest, many educational institutions opted for online classes or declared a holiday. 

As the situation escalated, questions about the balance between maintaining law and order and allowing democratic protests were thrust into the spotlight. 

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/suvendu-alleges-4-student-activists-missing-police-arrest-them-in-attempt-to-murder-case-577273?infinitescroll=1