Protest Rally in Kolkata Turns Violent after Police Uses Tear Gas, Water Cannons and Lathi Charges Protesters

Published On: August 27, 2024 - Chaotic scenes unfolded in Kolkata as police intercepted a protest march heading to the state secretariat, Nabanna, over the rape and murder of a young doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. On Tuesday, Kolkata police deployed water cannons, and tear gas, and used lathi-charge to disperse protesters on Howrah Bridge as they advanced towards the West Bengal state secretariat. Protesters clashed with police, climbed barricades, and were seen breaking and dragging away police barriers. Reports also indicate that some protesters threw stones at the police. The police detained several protesters after the demonstration turned violent. The BJP criticized the Mamata Banerjee government for the police crackdown and labelled Mamata as a dictator.