Kolkata Student Groups to Hold ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ Rally Despite Police Ban

Kolkata : Student groups are moving forward with their planned ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ rally today, despite the West Bengal Police denying them permission. The rally is being organized by the Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj and the ‘Sangrami Joutha Mancha,’ with the primary demand being the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The protest is in response to the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The West Bengal Police have expressed concerns about the potential for violence and disorder during the rally. They claim to have received credible intelligence suggesting that miscreants might infiltrate the protest to incite chaos. In response, the state government has imposed prohibitory orders near Nabanna under Section 163 of the BNSS, which bans the assembly of five or more persons in the area.

To manage the situation, Kolkata Police have mobilized over 6,000 personnel across the city. They have set up water cannons and established at least 19 barricade points. Additionally, 26 Deputy Commissioners of Police are stationed at various locations to ensure security and order. Many educational institutions in Kolkata have opted for online classes or declared a holiday to avoid disruption and ensure student safety.

The rally has drawn significant attention, with Governor CV Ananda Bose urging the state government to avoid using force to suppress the demonstration. The governor’s appeal reflects concerns about the potential for escalating tensions between the protesters and law enforcement.

The rally’s organizers are determined to proceed despite the official restrictions, emphasizing their commitment to addressing what they see as a grave injustice. They argue that the rally is crucial for raising awareness about the case and demanding accountability from the state government.

As the day unfolds, all eyes will be on Kolkata to see how the situation develops. The large-scale police presence and the imposition of prohibitory orders indicate the government’s intent to maintain control over the protest, while the student groups’ determination highlights the ongoing tension between public dissent and state authority. The outcome of today’s events will likely have implications for the broader political and social landscape in West Bengal.