The mother of the RG Kar Medical College student who was raped and murdered last year in Kolkata has accused the West Bengal police of physically assaulting her during a protest on Saturday. She claimed that women police personnel manhandled her while she was heading to join a march towards the West Bengal state secretariat, Nabanna. The rally was organised to mark one year since her daughter’s death and to demand justice.
According to her, the altercation left her with a head injury and broke her shankha (traditional conch shell bangle). “Why are they stopping us like this? All we want is to reach Nabanna and seek justice for my daughter,” she said.
Protest Blocked by Heavy Police Presence
The march, led by the victim’s family, aimed to highlight the brutal rape and murder that occurred inside the premises of a state-run hospital last year. Protesters also demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her government of “failing to protect women.”
Police set up strong barricades to stop the rally before it could reach Nabanna. The victim’s father alleged that police even tried to stop the family from reaching Dorina Crossing to join the demonstration, despite the court granting permission for a peaceful march.
BJP Joins the Demonstration Without Party Symbols
Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari urged BJP workers to join the protest without carrying party flags. Adhikari, along with some BJP MLAs, walked alongside the victim’s parents at Dorina Crossing in central Kolkata, avoiding any BJP banners or insignia.
“The Mamata Banerjee administration is fearing this massive crowd, which has gathered in protest,” Adhikari said.
Protesters carried the Indian Tricolour and displayed posters and banners demanding justice for the victim and the chief minister’s resignation.
