BJP Protest Rally Stopped in Kolkata Following Alleged Gang Rape of Law Student

The police halted a BJP rally led by West Bengal unit chief Sukanta Majumdar on Saturday. The protest aimed to reach a law college in Kolkata, where a student was allegedly gang-raped. Majumdar and several other party leaders were detained at Gariahat crossing. They were taken to the Kolkata Police headquarters in Lalbazar, according to a senior officer.

Following the victim's complaint, the police arrested Manojit Mishra, Promit Mukherjee, and Zaid Ahmed. A college guard was also apprehended on Saturday morning. The BJP in New Delhi demanded that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologise and resign over the incident, alleging that all accused had links to the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Protests and Political Reactions

Majumdar criticised the lack of safety for women in Bengal, stating, "We were here to protest against the rising number of crimes against women. The police did not allow us to hold the rally." He accused the chief minister of being responsible for the incident and claimed police personnel acted like Trinamool Congress workers.

The BJP planned a 3-km protest march from Gariahat crossing to South Calcutta Law College in Kasba. However, Majumdar and two other leaders refused to sign bail bonds after their detention. Majumdar stated in an audio message from lockup, "In one month, I have been arrested four times whenever I have tried to protest against the government."

Widespread Demonstrations

BJP activists across Howrah, Bakura, Balurghat, and other locations demonstrated in support of Majumdar's decision. Three BJP councillors from Kolkata Municipal Corporation began a sit-in at the rear gate of the city police headquarters in Lalbazar but were later removed by police.

Leader of Opposition Suvendhu Adhikari criticised the state government over the alleged gang rape. He questioned how principals are appointed in colleges, suggesting appointments are influenced by political connections rather than merit.

Investigation and Criticism

BJP president J P Nadda formed a four-member committee to investigate the matter. Members include MPs Biplab Kumar Deb and Manan Kumar Mishra, along with former parliamentarians Satyapal Singh and Meenakshi Lekhi. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also criticised Bengal's law and order situation.

Senior BJP leader Agnimitra Paul alleged that Kolkata Police tampered with evidence in another case at RG Kar hospital. Paul suggested that if a CBI investigation is demanded now, evidence might be destroyed again. Paul urged state police to investigate thoroughly as they are funded by taxpayers.

The incident has sparked widespread political reactions and protests across West Bengal. The BJP continues to press for accountability from the state government while demanding justice for the victim. The situation remains tense as investigations proceed amidst ongoing demonstrations.

With inputs from PTI