Kolkata Protesters Break Barricades, Cops Fire Tear Gas Shells
Kolkata Protesters Break Barricades, Cops fire Tear Gas Shells
The 'Nabanna Abhijan' protest in kolkata turned chaotic as demonstrators clashed with police while attempting to march to the state secretariat to demand the resignation of chief minister Mamata Banerjee. The protest, driven by concerns over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital, began at college Square and saw participants from various student bodies and citizen groups.
As the march progressed, protesters breached barricades and engaged in stone-throwing, leading police to deploy tear gas shells and water cannons to manage the situation. Authorities, with over 6,000 personnel, had prepared extensively, setting up 19 barricade points and using drones for surveillance. The police also lathi-charged some protesters near Howrah Bridge and used civic volunteers to prevent protester access to sensitive areas like fort William.
The rally was organized by the Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj and the Sangrami Joutha Mancha, which have been calling for the resignation of the chief minister and better treatment for state employees. The bjp has also voiced concerns, alleging that some student activists involved in distributing food at Howrah station went missing and accusing cm Banerjee of potential responsibility if anything happens to them. The situation remains tense as authorities continue to monitor and control the unfolding events