Tensions flared in Kolkata as police arrested Chandan Gupta, a resident of Jagatdal in North 24 Parganas, on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting a constable during the 'Nabanna Abhiyan' protest on August 9. The march, marking the first anniversary of the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, descended into chaos as protesters clashed with police across Kolkata and Howrah. Gupta, apprehended in Bow Bazar, faces charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for attempting to kill constable Prasanta Poddar, a guard for DC SSD Bidisha Kalita Dasgupta, according to a Kolkata Police officer.

The 'Nabanna Abhiyan,' aimed at reaching the West Bengal state secretariat, saw violent confrontations as demonstrators, including doctors, students, and activists, demanded justice for the victim, nicknamed 'Abhaya.' Police deployed barricades, batons, and lathi-charges to halt the march, leading to injuries and widespread outrage. Seven FIRs were filed against several individuals, including BJP MLAs Ashok Dinda and Agnimitra Paul, for allegedly obstructing police, assaulting officers, and damaging public property. The protests, supported by opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari, highlighted public frustration over the perceived lack of justice, with only one convict, Sanjoy Roy, sentenced to life imprisonment.

Adding to the controversy, the victim’s father filed an FIR alleging that police assaulted his wife during the protest, leaving her hospitalized with a head injury. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma confirmed an ongoing inquiry but noted that no video evidence has yet substantiated the claim. “We are still investigating to identify the exact moment of the alleged assault,” Verma told a local news channel. The victim’s parents and supporters insist the case involves a larger conspiracy, fueling demands for accountability.

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The unrest has reignited the 'Reclaim the Night' movement, with planned protests on August 14 to press for justice. As Kolkata grapples with these clashes, the RG Kar case continues to expose deep tensions between citizens and authorities, raising questions about police conduct and systemic failures.

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