Kolkata Doctor Case: TMC Supporters Clash with BJP Activists During Bandh in Malda | Breaking News

On August 28, the West Bengal BJP called for a 12-hour bandh in response to police actions against students protesting the rape and murder of a doctor from RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. The demonstrators, participating in the Nabanna Abhijan, aimed to reach the West Bengal state secretariat, Nabanna, but the protest turned violent as it spread through Kolkata and adjacent Howrah. The confrontation between protestors and the police escalated into significant violence, lasting around four hours on Tuesday afternoon. The clashes resulted in numerous injuries on both sides, including several senior police officers and women protestors. Over 200 people were arrested as protestors pelted stones and glass bottles at the police. According to a police spokesperson, fifteen Kolkata Police personnel and fourteen state police officers were injured. The police used lathi charges, water cannons, and tear gas to control the situation and disperse the crowds marching from various points towards Nabanna. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed that more than 160 protestors, including 17 women, were injured due to police action. In response, BJP Bengal unit president Sukanta Majumdar announced the bandh and condemned the police's response. Adhikari also urged Governor CV Ananda Bose to consider imposing President’s Rule in the state. In reaction to the bandh call, the Bengal government has urged citizens to disregard the strike from 6 am to 6 pm. Chief advisor to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Alapan Bandopadhyay, emphasized that the government would not support the bandh and will take measures to ensure that normal life remains unaffected. A government notification has mandated that all government offices stay open, and employees, barring those on leave, must report for work on August 28 or face disciplinary action for unauthorized absences.