What Happened During the March to Nabanna?
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Synopsis
The Nabanna Avijan march in Kolkata, commemorating the tragic anniversary of a young doctor's rape and murder, erupted into violence as police clashed with protesters. Allegations of police brutality towards the victim's parents have raised serious concerns about law enforcement's conduct in such sensitive situations.
Key Takeaways
- Protest for Justice: The march was aimed at seeking justice for the victim of a heinous crime.
- Allegations of Police Brutality: Claims of excessive force used by police against protesters and the victim's parents.
- Political Involvement: The event saw significant participation from BJP leaders and community activists.
- Escalating Tensions: The situation remains volatile, with ongoing protests and community unrest.
- Calls for Accountability: There's a growing demand for transparency and accountability from law enforcement.
Kolkata, Aug 9 (NationPress) The 'Nabanna Avijan', marking the first anniversary of the horrific rape and murder of a junior female doctor at RG Kar Hospital, escalated into chaos on Saturday as police employed baton charges to disperse the demonstrators, allegedly assaulting the victim's parents in the process.
The victim’s mother, along with BJP officials, claimed that during the police intervention, her sacred shell-bangle, a traditional symbol of married women in Bengal, was shattered.
Accompanied by BJP legislators, including the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, the victim's parents initiated a march from Dorina Crossing towards Nabanna, situated in the Kolkata-adjacent Howrah district, seeking justice for their daughter.
However, a significant police presence halted the march at the intersection of Park Street and Jawaharlal Nehru Road.
As BJP supporters attempted to breach the barriers, a confrontation erupted between the protesters and law enforcement. The police subsequently resorted to baton charges to control the situation.
The victim's mother alleged that she was physically attacked by the officers.
"We were unarmed. Yet, the police obstructed us. Why are they afraid of us? The police assaulted me and broke my Sankha-Pola. They threw me onto the road and kicked me," stated the victim's mother.
Following this confrontation, tensions flared in the Park Street vicinity, with BJP legislators and the victim's parents staging a sit-in against the purported police brutality.
The victim's father expressed their concerns, stating, “What have we done wrong? We will proceed to Nabanna. They cannot halt us," he asserted.
On the anniversary of the RG Kar incident, the victim's family organized this march to the state secretariat.
Various organizations rallied to support their cause. All BJP legislators, including Adhikari, participated in the protest march. As the procession moved toward Nabanna through Park Street, police intervened, halting BJP MLAs and supporters.
Adhikari, along with other BJP MLAs, including Agnimitra Paul, staged a protest by sitting on the roadside.
"Abhaya's parents were also assaulted. The police struck me with sticks. Over a hundred individuals were injured. BJP MLAs faced violence. They even desecrated the national flag," claimed Adhikari.
Meanwhile, unrest continued in the Santragachi area of Howrah as protesters attempted to breach police barricades, leading to bricks and water bottles being thrown at the officers.
Point of View
This incident raises crucial questions about police conduct and the handling of sensitive cases. The allegations against law enforcement underscore the need for accountability and transparency. It is imperative for the authorities to address these concerns with sincerity to restore public trust.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nabanna Avijan?
The Nabanna Avijan is a march organized to demand justice, particularly in light of the tragic rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Hospital.
Why did the march turn violent?
The situation escalated when police used baton charges to control protesters, leading to confrontations and allegations of police brutality against the victim's parents.
Who were the key participants in the protest?
The protest included the victim's parents and several BJP legislators, including Suvendu Adhikari, who voiced their demands for justice.
What were the consequences of the police actions?
The police actions led to injuries among protesters, heightened tensions in the area, and significant public outrage.
How is the community responding to this incident?
The community is rallying for justice, with various organizations supporting the victim's family and demanding accountability from law enforcement.
