Kolkata, Aug 9, 2025 — The first anniversary of the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College turned tense on Saturday as the “Nabanna Avijan” rally by the victim’s parents and BJP leaders was marred by violent clashes with police.
The rally, starting from Dorina Crossing and heading towards Nabanna in Howrah, was stopped by police at the Park Street–Jawaharlal Nehru Road crossing. When BJP workers attempted to break barricades, police resorted to baton charge, triggering a scuffle. The victim’s mother collapsed during the chaos and was hospitalised. She alleged police beat her, broke her traditional Sankha-Pola bangles, and threw her to the ground. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed her condition was serious but stable after medical tests.
Adhikari, who also alleged being beaten, condemned the incident, saying over 100 people, including BJP MLAs, were injured and even the national flag was torn. The victim’s father said, “What is our crime? We only wanted to go to Nabanna.”
Police denied assaulting the parents but promised an investigation. According to officials, the rally exceeded permitted limits, ignoring warnings to remain at Rani Rashmoni Road. Tension also flared in Howrah’s Santragachi area when protesters threw bricks and bottles, but police refrained from retaliating.
The Trinamool Congress accused the BJP of disturbing communal harmony on Raksha Bandhan, recalling Tagore’s symbolic use of the festival for unity. State minister Shashi Panja said BJP’s actions showed “no respect for Bengal’s traditions.”
Meanwhile, separate rallies by doctors’ groups and trade unions under banners like Abhaya Mancha and AICCTU attempted a “Kalighat Chalo” march towards the Chief Minister’s residence but were stopped at Hazra Crossing. As a symbolic gesture, protesters tied rakhis on policemen’s wrists, calling for greater public safety.
