New Delhi: In a distressing turn of events, protesters clad in saffron scarves clashed with police officers in West Bengal on Tuesday, throwing stones and bricks during a heated confrontation during protests. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has since called for a 12-hour bandh in the state on August 28, condemning the polices response to the demonstrators who were marching towards the state secretariat, Nabanna.BJPs call for general strikeThe BJP has mobilized its supporters for a general strike, accusing the state government of ignoring public demands for justice. BJP State President Sukanta Majumdar criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees administration, claiming, We are forced to call for a general strike because this autocratic regime is ignoring the cries for justice for the deceased doctor. Instead of delivering justice, Mamata Banerjees police are attacking peaceful citizens who seek a safe environment for women.Watch the video here:The protesters with Saffron Scarf throwing stones / bricks at the police. #Kolkata #NabannaAbhijan pic.twitter.com/ry11Yo5zIW— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) August 27, 2024Demands for Mamatas resignationThe BJP is also demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following the alleged rape and murder of a female doctor at a state-run hospital earlier this month. The partys bandh call reflects growing frustration over the perceived mishandling of the case and the governments response to public protests.Police crackdown on protestersThe protest march leading to Nabanna was met with a severe police response. Riot police deployed teargas shells, water cannons, and batons in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Some protesters retaliated by throwing stones at the police. The police action has been heavily criticized, with the BJP accusing the state government of using excessive force.⚠️BREAKING: Massive Student Rally to Nabanna Despite Police Ban Demands CM Mamata Banerjees Resignation Over RG Kar Incident! 🔞Kolkata Rape-Murder Case Protests: 🚨🚨- 🪧 Students March: Rally to Nabanna today, August 27, despite police opposition.- ⚖️ TMC Claims:… pic.twitter.com/m1VCnZTDCk— Bhwani Shankar (@BhwaniShankar1) August 27, 2024TMC respondsIn response to the BJPs bandh call, Trinamool Congress leaders have denounced the saffron partys actions, promising to counter the strike with equal resolve. The ruling party has accused the BJP of orchestrating the violence and unrest during the rally. Kolkata Police, meanwhile, fortified the area around Nabanna, deploying 6,000 officers, using drones for surveillance, and reinforcing barricades to block protester access.
