Kolkata, 9 August (H.S.): In view of the Nabanna Abhijan march to the state secretariat, Kolkata Police have announced special traffic restrictions for Saturday. According to a notice issued from Lalbazar, movement of goods vehicles will be prohibited on several key city roads from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Only vehicles related to emergency services will be exempt.

Police stated that during this period, goods vehicle operations will remain suspended on Vidyasagar Setu, Khidderpore Road, Taratala Road, Circular Garden Reach Road, and Hyde Road. Traffic will also be regulated on Jawaharlal Nehru Road, R.R. Avenue, Red Road, Dufferin Road, Mayo Road, A.J.C. Bose Road, S.N. Banerjee Road, M.G. Road, Brabourne Road, and Howrah Bridge.

Preparations to block the march towards the secretariat have already begun. Steel barricades, containers, and water cannons will be deployed at strategic points. In some locations, barricades have already been installed. Sources said all access routes to Vidyasagar Setu will be blocked with barricades to prevent any procession from reaching the bridge. Aluminium guard walls will also be placed at Turf View Road, Hastings Mazhar, Furlong Gate, and Khidderpore Road.

The ‘Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj’ had called the march demanding justice in the R.G. Kar case, with the BJP extending support. During the previous march, incidents of barricade breaking, vandalism, bike arson, and clashes between police and demonstrators had been reported, leaving several injured on both sides. Police fear the protest may turn violent again and have instructed all personnel to remain united and manage the situation firmly.

A petition to stop the march was also filed in court, but the Calcutta High Court dismissed it, stating that peaceful protest is a fundamental right.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh