Bengal Bandh Today Over 'Nabanna Abhijan' Clashes: Police Detains Protesting BJP Workers

The Bengal Police arrested the protesting BJP workers in Alipurduar as the party has called for a state-wide bandh on Wednesday to protest against the police action on those who took part in the march to state secretariat 'Nabbana'.

Clashes erupted between police and protesters in various parts of Kolkata and neighbouring Howrah on Tuesday as the agitators attempted to breach barricades to march towards 'Nabanna’, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the alleged rape-murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9.

The visuals shared by news agency ANI depicted bus drivers operating vehicles while wearing helmets. One of the drivers explained to ANI, "We are wearing helmets because of the bandh today... The department has provided us with the helmets..."

#WATCH | West Bengal | Police detains protesting BJP workers at Alipurduar.

12-hour Bengal Bandh has been called by the BJP to protest against the state government after the police used lathi charge and tear gas on protestors during Nabanna Abhiyan, yesterday pic.twitter.com/tJuKKgMGum

— ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2024

Government's Response

However, the West Bengal government has urged citizens not to participate in BJP's 12-hour general strike on August 28. The administration assured that normal life would not be disrupted due to the bandh.

#WATCH | BJPs 12-hour Bengal Bandh: Drivers of North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) buses seen wearing helmets, in Cooch Behar

A bus driver says, "We are wearing helmets because of the bandh today...The department has given us the helmets..." pic.twitter.com/Xc8YivLxtG

— ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2024

"The government will not allow any bandh on Wednesday. We urge people not to participate in it. All steps shall be taken to ensure that normal life is unaffected," stated Alapan Bandopadhyay, chief advisor to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

#Informationwanted

Anyone who can help identify the individuals circled in red in the images below is requested to do so, either directly to us or through your local PS. pic.twitter.com/QTv8znvGAr

— Kolkata Police (@KolkataPolice) August 27, 2024

Bandopadhyay also mentioned that transport services would remain operational. Shops, marketplaces, and other business establishments have been asked to stay open.

He further urged state government employees to attend office as usual.

Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police have shared a photo apparently from the Tuesday's protest, asking people that anyone who can help identify the individuals circled in red in the images should do so, either directly to them or through their local police station.