Tensions Mount In Kolkata As Student Groups Set To Hold ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ Rally Today

Despite the Bengal Police denying permission, student organisation 'Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj' and the 'Sangrami Joutha Mancha' will hold their 'Nabanna Abhijan' rally on Tuesday, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the arrest of those involved in the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The West Bengal police have claimed that there is credible information about miscreants trying to incite chaos during the protest. They have alleged that one of the individuals behind the "Nabanna Abhijan" protest had met with a political party leader at a prominent five-star hotel.

Nabanna serves as the state secretariat for West Bengal, housing the offices of the Chief Minister, key ministers, and other senior officials who run the state government.

In preparation for the protest, over 6,000 police personnel will be deployed, and 19 key locations, including Hastings, Furlong Gate, Strand Road, and Howrah, will be barricaded. Around 26 Deputy Commissioners of Police will be stationed at various points.

The state police have declared the rally "illegal" and "unauthorized," citing concerns about potential violence and public disorder. ADG (Law and Order) Manoj Verma highlighted credible intelligence indicating attempts by certain elements to incite chaos during the protest. Consequently, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS have been imposed near Nabanna (the state secretariat), restricting gatherings of five or more people.

The Trinamool Congress has criticized the rally as a "conspiracy" designed to disrupt public order and released videos allegedly showing BJP leaders from Ghatal, Paschim Medinipur district, planning to incite violence. Those featured in the videos have been detained for questioning.

In response to the anticipated disruptions, many educational institutions have opted for online classes or declared a holiday for the day. Governor CV Ananda Bose has urged the state government to avoid using force to suppress the rally, advocating instead for the students' right to protest.