Howrah Protests Turn Violent: Police Clash With Nabanna Abhijan' Protesters

Police in Howrah used water cannons, tear gas, and lathicharge to disperse protesters who clashed with authorities and breached barricades during the 'Nabanna Abhijan' rally, on Tuesday.

The protest, which took place in Santragachi, was organized in response to the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Howrah Protests Turn Violent

Protesters, who had gathered at Santragachi before marching towards the West Bengal state secretariat, managed to drag away police barricades and confront police personnel. In anticipation of the rally, the police had fortified the area around the secretariat with heavy security measures, including water cannons, vajra vehicles, and a Riot Control Force.

Roads were blocked with containers, and the rear gates of Fort William at Hastings in Kolkata were greased to prevent protesters from scaling them. West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose appealed to the state government to avoid using excessive force against peaceful protesters.

In a video message, he emphasized the importance of respecting democratic rights and reminded the government of the Supreme Court's stance on not suppressing peaceful protests. The police had previously denied permission for the 'Nabanna Abhijan' rally organized by 'Paschimbanga Chhatro Samaj' due to insufficient details and the lack of formal approval.

The rally, which began at College Square in Kolkata, saw participation from students and citizens who carried the national flag and chanted slogans. The death of the trainee doctor on August 9 has sparked nationwide outrage, with ongoing protests demanding justice for the victim.