By Kolkata Protests: Police Use Tear Gas and Water Cannons
On August 28, 2024, police in Kolkata, India, employed tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters demanding the resignation of a top state minister. This follows the horrific rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor on August 9. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, drawing comparisons to the 2012 Delhi gang rape protests.
Protest Details
University students led the demonstrations, which broke through barricades on their march to the West Bengal state secretariat. The protests were declared illegal by authorities, resulting in a baton charge by the police.
Nationwide Impact
The brutal attack has led to widespread protests similar to those after the Delhi gang rape. Despite tougher laws, activists argue that sexual violence remains a severe issue. The arrest of a police volunteer and a federal investigation have intensified calls for justice.
Medical Sector Response
In response to the attack, junior doctors have staged strikes, refusing to treat non-emergency patients in various regions. The Supreme Court has intervened, forming a hospital safety task force and urging doctors to return to work, though many remain steadfast in their protests.
Political Reactions
Over 5,000 police officers were deployed in Kolkata and Howrah to manage the situation. The protests have also become a political flashpoint, with Kunal Ghosh of the ruling Trinamool Congress Party accusing the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of inciting unrest. The BJP has supported the protesters, and senior leader Suvendu Adhikari has accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration of trying to downplay the incident—a charge the state government denies.
