What Caused the Violence During Kolkata's Nabanna Avijan March?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events during the Nabanna Avijan march in Kolkata, the police have filed seven FIRs against BJP leaders for violence and violating court orders. With injured police officers and serious allegations of assault, this incident raises significant questions about protest regulations and public safety.
Key Takeaways
- Seven FIRs filed against BJP MLAs for protest violence.
- Five police officers were injured during the march.
- Investigation includes reviewing CCTV and video footage.
- High Court's order for peaceful protest was ignored.
- Police Commissioner emphasized thorough investigation.
Kolkata, Aug 10 (NationPress) The Kolkata Police have initiated seven FIRs against BJP MLAs for breaching the Calcutta High Court's directive for a peaceful Nabanna Avijan on August 9 and for assaulting on-duty police officers.
According to city police reports, five constables sustained injuries when the march towards the state secretariat escalated into chaos.
On Sunday, the police confirmed that FIRs were filed against BJP MLAs Ashok Dinda, Agnimitra Paul, and BJP leader Koustav Bagchi among others at the New Market Police Station.
The allegations include vandalism of public property, obstructing government officials in their duties, threatening officers on duty, verbally abusing them, physically assaulting constables, and violating the high court's order for a peaceful demonstration.
During the protest on Saturday, five police officers were injured, with three requiring hospitalization at the state-run SSKM Hospital for their injuries.
On Monday morning, Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma visited the injured officers at the hospital.
Speaking to the media outside the facility, Verma stated that five officers were harmed.
“Two have been discharged, while three remain under treatment due to head injuries. To date, seven FIRs have been filed against individuals present at the protest for contravening the Calcutta High Court order, assaulting police, issuing threats, and damaging both government and private property,” Verma elaborated.
Following the high court's instruction for a peaceful demonstration, the Kolkata Police designated two locations for the 'Nabanna Avijan' event on August 9 — one at Santragachi Bus Stand under the Howrah Police Commissionerate and another at Rani Rashmoni Avenue within the Kolkata Police jurisdiction.
Despite this, the demonstrators disregarded the police guidelines and advanced towards Nabanna from Dorina Crossing in central Kolkata.
The march quickly devolved into significant violence as clashes erupted between protesters and police at Park Street and Jawaharlal Nehru crossing.
In a distressing turn of events, the mother of one victim had to be hospitalized after falling ill during police actions against the protesters, claiming she was assaulted by officers.
Commissioner Verma noted that authorities are reviewing CCTV and video footage to determine whether the victim's mother was indeed attacked.
"This is part of our thorough investigation. We are analyzing yesterday's recordings, and actions will follow based on our findings. We are scrutinizing footage from all perspectives, including drone surveillance. Until we verify all video evidence, we cannot draw any conclusions. But this remains part of our inquiry," Verma stated.
Point of View
It is vital to approach the events surrounding the Nabanna Avijan march with impartiality. The incidents that transpired not only spotlight the tensions in political demonstrations but also raise critical questions about maintaining law and order in the face of public dissent. It is essential to uphold the principles of democratic expression while ensuring the safety of both protesters and law enforcement.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the registration of FIRs against BJP leaders?
The FIRs were registered due to allegations of violating the Calcutta High Court's order for a peaceful protest, as well as assaulting on-duty policemen during the Nabanna Avijan march.
How many police officers were injured during the protest?
Five police officers sustained injuries during the protest, with three requiring hospitalization for treatment.
What actions are being taken regarding the violence?
The Kolkata Police are reviewing CCTV and video footage to investigate the incidents of violence and determine accountability.
Where were the designated protest locations?
The Kolkata Police had earmarked two locations for the protest: Santragachi Bus Stand and Rani Rashmoni Avenue.
What are the allegations against the BJP leaders?
The leaders are accused of damaging public property, threatening police officers, and preventing government officials from performing their duties.
