In Kolkata, clashes between police and protesters have been reported from Howrah Bridge, Foreshore Road, and Santragachi in Howrah as student groups held the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ rally today. Protesters were stopped at various locations as they breached the barricades. Police used lathi charges, water cannons, and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Top police officials, including DGP Rajiv Kumar, and Howrah Superintendent of Police Praveen Kumar Tripathi are monitoring the situation. The barricades have been welded and cemented. Male and female police forces, Rapid Action Forces, and Anti-Riot forces have been pressed into action.

Earlier, despite the Bengal Police denying permission, the student organisation Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj and the ‘Sangrami Joutha Mancha’ have announced that they will hold their rally, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the arrest of those involved in the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The state government has already imposed prohibitory orders near Nabanna under Section 163 of BNSS preventing the assembly of five or more persons.

Kolkata Police has deployed over 6,000 personnel on the city streets, kept water cannons ready, and set up at least 19 barricade points. Around 26 Deputy Commissioners of Police have been stationed at various points. Many educational institutions have opted for online classes or declared a holiday for the day.

Governor CV Ananda Bose has urged the state government to avoid using force to suppress the rally.