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..."

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.

"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.

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.