Kolkata, 9 August (H.S.) – Tensions flared in Kolkata and Howrah on Saturday during the “Nabanna Abhiyan” march, as police and protesters clashed at multiple points. The mother of the R.G. Kar Medical College rape-and-murder victim alleged that she was brutally beaten with lathis by police personnel. Despite a swollen head from the blows, she continued to participate in the protest until her health deteriorated, leading to her hospitalisation.
From early morning, police had erected barricades and imposed strict blockades on routes to the state secretariat, Nabanna. Near the Racecourse, the victim’s parents were stopped by police. They questioned officers, saying, “The High Court has allowed us to hold a peaceful protest — why are you stopping us?” Moments later, an attempt to cross the barricades triggered a scuffle, during which the victim’s mother sustained injuries. Protesters claimed that police denied her water when she felt unwell; fellow demonstrators eventually provided water, but her condition worsened, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Clashes were also reported at Park Street, where police and demonstrators engaged in pushing and shoving. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari announced the end of the sit-in at one site and said he would head straight to the hospital to meet the victim’s mother. He alleged that hundreds were injured in police lathi charges, with several requiring hospitalisation.
To block the march, police shut down key routes including Howrah Bridge, Vidyasagar Setu, and Kona Expressway, causing severe inconvenience to commuters. Many were forced to cross bridges on foot, buses and trains became overcrowded, and water cannons along with additional forces were deployed.
Adhikari accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government of suppressing dissent through excessive force. He claimed that the Chief Minister’s anger over alleged corruption in the health department and irregularities at the hospital was “taken out” on the victim’s mother and other protesters. “The Chief Minister has failed to be the leader of all people and is more interested in shielding the accused in the R.G. Kar case than bringing the truth to light,” he said.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
