The Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal is bracing for a massive protest on Tuesday, August 27, in response to the widespread outrage following the alleged rape and murder of a PGT doctor at RG Kar Medical College.
The protest, known as the "Nabanna Abhiyan," is being organized by the West Bengal Student Society, with support from the BJP, and is set to take place around the Nabanna building, the state secretariat of West Bengal.
The Nabanna building, situated along the
Given the volatile nature of the situation, the state government has implemented stringent security measures to prevent any potential unrest. Approximately 6,000 police personnel, including between 4,500 to 5,000 officers, will be deployed Hooghly River in Howrah, has served as the state's administrative hub since 2011 when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shifted the secretariat from the historic Writers’ Building in Kolkata.
The term "Nabanna" is symbolic, meaning "new harvest" in Bengali, reflecting a fresh chapter in West Bengal's governance.across Kolkata. The security forces will include 21 high-ranking officers, such as Inspectors General (IG) and Deputy Inspectors General (DIG), tasked with overseeing the law and order situation. Additionally, 13 officers of SP and DYSP ranks, along with 15 officials of the police commissioner and additional superintendent ranks, will be positioned at strategic locations to manage the crowds and ensure the safety of the public.
The decision to deploy such a large number of police officers comes in response to fears of escalating tensions, as the protest has gained significant momentum with the support of the BJP. The protestors, primarily students, are demanding justice for the deceased junior doctor and are voicing their discontent against the Mamata Banerjee government, accusing it of failing to ensure the safety of women in the state.
On the eve of the protest, the Kolkata Police held a press conference where they declared the Nabanna Abhiyan illegal, describing it as a deliberate attempt to incite unrest and create a law and order situation. The police have urged the public to avoid participating in the protest, warning of strict actions against those who disrupt peace.
Despite these warnings, the organizers of the Nabanna Abhiyan have vowed to proceed with their plans, setting the stage for a possible confrontation between the protestors and the police. The situation remains tense, with the entire state closely watching how events will unfold.
