Bengal Bandh On August 28: What's Open, What's Closed?

In response to the escalating law and order issues following protests over the Kolkata rape and murder case, the West Bengal BJP has called for a 12-hour bandh on Wednesday. This announcement was made by Union Minister and West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar. Majumdar criticized both the Left and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing them of politicizing the issue.

Majumdar claimed that the TMC government has been suppressing students, while the Left's support was evident by its non-participation in the protests. The BJP's call for the bandh comes amid ongoing clashes between police and Chhatr Samaj members during the Nabanna Abhiyan.

The BJP labeled Mamata Banerjee a "dictator" and demanded her resignation for a fair investigation into the case. They also urged the CBI to administer polygraph tests on Banerjee and Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, who the BJP alleged initially claimed the victim died by suicide.

West Bengal Bandh: School and Metro Services

• Schools and Colleges: There is no official update yet regarding the closure of schools, colleges, and government offices in Kolkata for the bandh. As of now, schools are expected to remain open.
• Kolkata Metro: Services may be disrupted due to the bandh. Regular commuters are advised to check the official Kolkata Metro website for the latest updates.

Clashes During Nabanna Abhiyan

Fresh clashes erupted between police and protesters on GT Road in Howrah Maidan during the Nabanna Abhiyan rally. Protesters attempted to march towards the state secretariat, leading to a police lathi-charge, use of water cannons, and tear gas. The crowd retaliated by throwing stones and bricks and trying to overturn barricades.

A policeman, identified as the in-charge of Chanditala police station, was injured during the clashes. The violence was triggered by attempts to reach Nabanna to demand the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College. Police responded with force after protesters breached barricades and attacked officers. Several officers were injured by bricks thrown by protesters, and some students were also reportedly injured in the police action.