Advertisement
trendingNowenglish2783893https://zeenews.india.com/india/live-updates/nabanna-abhiyan-bjp-protest-west-bengal-bandh-28-august-2024-kolkata-doctor-rape-murder-case-rg-kar-hospital-student-rally-violent-tmc-nabanna-march-latest-news-2783893.html

BJP's 12-Hour Long 'Bengal Bandh' Evokes Mixed Response Amid Sporadic Violence

West Bengal Bandh: The shutdown had a partial impact on daily life in the state, leading many to choose the safety of their homes over facing potential unrest outside. Kolkata's typical weekday bustle was subdued, with fewer buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis in service. 

Police fire tear gas shells to disperse people during 'Nabanna Abhijan.' (Picture source: PTI)
LIVE Blog

West Bengal Bandh Highlights: Intermittent violence characterized the BJP-led 12-hour shutdown in West Bengal on Wednesday, resulting in a varied impact due to clashes between bandh supporters, police, and Trinamool Congress workers across the state. Significant clashes emerged from Bhatpara in the North 24 Parganas district, where BJP accused TMC members of shooting at the car of local leader Priyangu Pandey, an incident they broadcasted via a video on social media.

While Pandey was unharmed, the driver and another party member reportedly suffered gunshot wounds to their heads and were hospitalized, as per BJP representatives. Authorities reported that the two individuals were assaulted by a group outside the Anglo-India Jute Mill.

This violence led to a confrontation between BJP's Arjun Singh and TMC's Somnath Shyam, escalating tensions as the two groups faced off, making it difficult for police to control the situation. Singh accused TMC-affiliated miscreants of the shooting, threatening to demonstrate the power of the people in the absence of police intervention.

In response, Shyam alleged that Singh was attempting to provoke violence in what was otherwise a peaceful locale. Several BJP figures, including ex-MPs Roopa Ganguly and Locket Chatterjee, Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya, and MLA Agnimitra Paul, were detained for impeding traffic and advocating for the bandh enforcement from the early hours.

The 'Bangla Bandh', initiated at 6 am, was a response to the police's treatment of 'Nabanna Abhijan' marchers, a protest organized by the student group Chatra Samaj against the purported sexual assault and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital.

The bandh led to a partial disruption of daily activities, with many opting to stay indoors to avoid potential unrest.

An official from Eastern Railway reported that bandh proponents obstructed tracks at 49 locations within its jurisdiction across the state, affecting both Sealdah and Howrah divisions.

Although blockades were cleared at most sites, they persisted for extended periods at nine stations, particularly in the Sealdah South section, according to the official.

BJP activists staged protests at various stations in the North and South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Nadia, and Murshidabad districts to support the bandh.

Suburban railway services faced disruptions as bandh supporters scattered banana leaves on overhead electrical wires in multiple areas, as confirmed by railway authorities.

Clashes between BJP and TMC workers were reported from the government bus stand area in Balurghat, Hooghly's Konnagar, and Asansol in Paschim Bardhaman.

BJP supporters' picketing caused interruptions in public transport services in Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Siliguri, and Malda in the north of West Bengal, as well as in Purulia, Bankura, and other southern locales.

Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition, led a demonstration in Nandigram, Purba Medinipur, his home district.

The chairman of the Indian Jute Mills Association, Raghvendra Gupta, stated that most jute mills, except for a few in the North and South 24 Parganas districts, were operational throughout the day.

Port operations continued as usual, with both Kolkata Docks and Haldia docks in operation, reported Syama Prasad Mookherjee Port spokesperson Sanjay Mukherjee.

The bandh did not affect the Information Technology sector or major industrial firms, according to a business chamber representative.

Thanks For Staying Tuned To Zee News English For Updates On 'Bengal Bandh'.

28 August 2024
17:27 IST

Live Updates: TMC Leader Calls BJP's 12-Hour 'Bengal Bandh' Flop

On BJP's 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh': TMC leader Kunal Ghosh says, "The BJP bandh is a complete flop. We also want justice in the RG Kar case. Just one person was arrested by the Calcutta police, the CBI could not arrest even 1 person till now. Today, the bandh is completely normal. In 1-2 pockets, less people were seen and some shops, and markets opened a little late because they had disturbed the railway line, but overall there was no public support...In the industrial belt, the attendance is more than 85%, in the tea garden the attendance is above 80% and in the IT sector the attendance is 100%, so it is all normal..."

16:55 IST

West Bengal Bandh Live Updates: BJP Says 'Mamata Govt Threatening Doctors...' 

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi says, "After CM Mamata Banerjee's government derailing the investigation, saving the accused and destroying evidence, now a new strategy of threatening doctors is being seen"

16:29 IST

Bengal Bandh Live Updates: Bihar BJP Prez Slams Mamata Govt

Bihar BJP State President Dilip Jaiswal says, "The kind of incident that happened in Kolkata has left the whole country shocked and Mamata Banerjee's government has worked to protect the accused.

15:41 IST

LIVE Updates | Nabanna Abhiyan, Bengal Bandh: Mamata Says 'If Bengal Is Burned Then Assam...'

"Remember if Bengal is burned, then Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Delhi will also be burned," Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee thundered from the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad foundation day rally in Kolkata.

 

15:30 IST

Bengal Bandh Live Updates: BJP Leader Describe Situatation In State 'Very Serious'

The situation in Bengal is quite serious. Protestors are hitting the streets as they know that the law and order situation there is in shambles. Atrocities against women are increasing. Every other day, a new video of a woman getting tortured comes up...What happened in (RG Kar) Hospital is fortunate. When doctors started a demonstration there to seek justice, goons came there to threaten them and vandalise (property). Police action has been slow. Police did not take prompt action. Court had to intervene and very stern questions were asked by the court," says BJP leader Nalin Kohli

15:18 IST

LIVE Updates | Nabanna Abhiyan, West Bengal Bandh: Junior Doctors Take Out Protest March

Doctors under the banner of West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front take out a protest march from Kolkata's Shyambazar to Dharamtala demanding justice for woman doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital

14:54 IST

Bengal Bandh Today LIVE: President Murmu’s First Comment On Kolkata Rape Case 

In her initial response to the brutal Kolkata rape and murder case, President Droupadi Murmu expressed her profound shock and horror. She stated, “Even as students, doctors and citizens were protesting in Kolkata, criminals remained on prowl elsewhere,” reported Hindustan Times. 

13:58 IST

‘Bengal Bandh’ Today LIVE Updates: Mamata At TMC Students' Wing Rally

BJP's bandh aimed at defaming Bengal, it is plotting conspiracy to derail probe into RG Kar hospital rape-murder case: CM Mamata Banerjee.

13:56 IST

Bengal Bandh LIVE Updates

If state govt had power, we would have ensured capital punishment for accused in doctor's murder within 7 days: CM Mamata at Kolkata rally.

13:35 IST

Bengal Bandh Today LIVE Updates: CM Mamata Vows Capital Punishment Bill For Rapists, Warns Governor

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced plans to convene an Assembly session next week to pass a Bill mandating capital punishment for rapists within 10 days. She stated that the Bill would be sent to the Governor for approval and warned that if the Governor refuses to sign it, she and her party will stage a protest outside Raj Bhavan. Banerjee emphasized that the Bill must be passed, making it clear that the Governor cannot avoid responsibility this time.

13:31 IST

Bengal Bandh LIVE Updates: CM Mamata On Trainee Doctor’s Rape-Murder 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday issued a strong statement following the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Condemning the heinous crime, Banerjee asserted, "For this, there is only one punishment— to hang till death. 

13:22 IST

Bengal Bandh LIVE Updates: CM Mamata Banerjee Slams BJP 

During the 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh' called by the BJP, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the move, stating, "We have dedicated this day to the RG Kar doctor. We seek justice, but the BJP's bandh is not about justice; it's an attempt to defame Bengal." She further said that the BJP is a party of liars. 

12:45 IST

BJP's Bengal Bandh LIVE Updates: Sanjay Raut Accuses BJP Of ‘Double Standards’ 

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday slammed the Central government and accused the BJP of "double standards". He said the Bengal Bandh could proceed because West Bengal has an anti-BJP government. In contrast, he claimed that a similar bandh was prevented in BJP-led Maharashtra. 

"When we had given a call for bandh, then we were stopped. Because (Prime Minister Narendra) Modiji is running the government here. Here, Amit Shah is running the government. The same incident of sexual assault took place here too," ANI quoted Raut as saying. 

12:31 IST

BJP's Bengal Bandh LIVE Updates: Locket Chatterjee Detained

 

12:29 IST

'Bengal Bandh' Live Updates: What Calcutta HC Said On BJP's 12- Hour Strike

On Wednesday, the Calcutta High Court declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) aimed at preventing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from holding a state-wide Bengal Bandh. Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice H Bhattacharyya determined that the PIL was inadmissible because the petitioner, Sanjoy Das, had previously been prohibited from filing any PILs in an earlier case.

12:19 IST

‘Bengal Bandh’ Today LIVE Updates 

A clash erupted between BJP and TMC workers in Kolkata's Munshi Bazaar.

12:14 IST

Bengal Bandh Live: BJP Workers March In Kolkata’s Bahu Bazar | WATCH

12:02 IST

‘Bengal Bandh’ LIVE Updates: BJP Leader Rupa Ganguly Detained In Gariahat

11:44 IST

‘Bengal Bandh’ LIVE Updates: Two Injured In Attack On BJP Leader 

Two individuals were injured in an attack and firing on BJP leader Priyangu Pandey's car earlier today in Bhatpara, North 24 Parganas. 

11:41 IST

‘Bengal Bandh’ Today LIVE Updates: Bomb Shells Found After Attack On BJP Leader 

Police recovered empty bomb shells near the site of an attack on BJP leader Priyangu Pandey in Bhatpara, North 24 Parganas. Pandey reported that his car was fired upon by several assailants earlier today.

11:32 IST

Bengal Bandh Today LIVE

BJP leader Priyangu Pandey alleged that TMC supporters attacked his car with bombs and gunfire in Bhatpara, North 24 Parganas, on Wednesday.

11:29 IST

'Bengal Bandh' Today Live Updates: On Firing, Priyangu Pandey Says...

BJP leader Priyangu Pandey stated, "Today, I was en route to our leader Arjun Singh's residence when our path was blocked by a jetting machine from Bhatpara Municipality. As soon as our car stopped, about 50-60 people targeted the vehicle. They threw 7 to 8 bombs at us, followed by 6-7 rounds of gunfire. This was a coordinated conspiracy by the TMC and the police. They planned my murder. The police aided them by providing information and withdrawing my security before the attack occurred."

10:13 IST

‘Bangla Bandh’ LIVE Updates: Bullet Fired at BJP Leader's Car 

A bullet was fired at a BJP leader's car by an unidentified individual during the 12-hour 'Bangla Bandh' in 24 North Parganas, reported Zee news TV. According to reports, BJP leaders Arjun Singh and Priyangu Pande were in the car.   

09:52 IST

‘Bangla Bandh’ LIVE Updates: 12-Hour Shutdown Affected Life In West Bengal 

In Kolkata, the state capital, the typical weekday morning bustle was noticeably absent as fewer buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis operated on the roads. Private vehicles were also sparse, though markets and shops stayed open as usual. 

Schools and colleges remained open, but attendance at most private offices was reduced, with many employees instructed to work from home. 

09:34 IST

‘Bengal Bandh’ LIVE Updates: Police Says, Security Tightened Across State 

In Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal, the BJP has called for a 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh' to protest against the state government. Additional SP Dendup Sherpa confirmed that police personnel have been deployed across the region to maintain law and order. 

09:12 IST

'Bangla Bandh' Today LIVE Updates: Police Detain BJP Worker From South 24 Parganas

08:51 IST

'Bangla Bandh' Today Live Updates: Visuals Show Closed Shops In Siliguri, Bidhannagar

08:36 IST

‘Bengal Bandh’ LIVE Updates: BJP President Urges Governor For Immediate Release Of Arrested Students 

Amid today's statewide bandh in West Bengal, BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar has formally appealed to Governor CV Anand Bose. As per reports, in his letter, Majumdar has requested the Governor to instruct the police to take immediate action for the release of students who have been detained during the protests.

08:26 IST

'Bengal Bandh' Today LIVE: Police Detain BJP Workers In Alipurduar

Story: Police detained several BJP workers protesting in Alipurduar during the party's 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh.' The bandh was called in response to the state government's actions after police resorted to lathi charges and tear gas against protestors during the Nabanna Abhiyan. 

08:15 IST

Bengal Bandh Today LIVE Updates: ‘Wearing Helmet For Safety’ 

During the BJP's 12-hour 'Bengal Bandh,' government bus drivers in Howrah were seen wearing helmets while on duty. One driver explained, "We are wearing helmets for safety.” 

08:13 IST

Bengal Bandh Today LIVE Updates 

The BJP called for strike after after the police used lathi charges and tear gas on protestors during Nabanna Abhiyan, yesterday.

08:02 IST

'Bengal Bandh' LIVE Updates: Visual Show Govt Bus Driver Wearing Helmet In Cooch Behar

During the BJP's Bengal Bandh, government bus drivers in Cooch Behar were seen wearing helmets while carrying out their duties. 

07:57 IST

‘Bangla Bandh’ LIVE Updates: Strike Affects Services In Howrah 

BJP leaders are staging protests in Howrah in response to the 12-hour general strike call. Demonstrators attempted to block trains at Howrah railway stations as part of a ‘rail roko’ protest. 

07:35 IST

‘Bangla Bandh’ LIVE Updates: BJP Leader Accuses Police Of Misconduct During Yesterday’s Protests 

During the BJP’s 12-hour general strike today, BJP leader Agnimitra Paul criticised the police for their handling of recent protests, alleging misconduct. Paul told ANI, "They are going around with a disgusting attitude. They have all become spineless. Police have invalidated the orders of the Supreme Court." She accused the police of using water cannons mixed with chemicals on protestors and failing to ensure safety for women in the state. Paul added, "When women protest, they use force to disperse them. We will continue to protest." 

07:21 IST

‘Bangla Bandh’ Live Updates: What Is Open, What Is Closed? 

Public Transportation: Railways, Metro, buses, autos, and cabs expected to operate normally. 

Kolkata Disruptions: Transportation in Kolkata may be affected by protests; traffic diversions and barricades anticipated. 

Government Offices: All government offices will remain open; employees must report for duty on August 28 or face a show-cause notice. 

Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges in Kolkata are expected to stay open; no holiday orders have been issued. 

Hospitals: Hospitals likely to operate as usual. 

07:15 IST

‘Bangla Bandh’ Live Updates: BJP Leaders Removed After Clashes 

During the commotion and scuffles at the protest, several BJP leaders, including state president Sukanta Majumdar, fell ill and were subsequently removed from the scene by police, reported PTI. The incident occurred amid escalating tensions during the demonstration. 

07:09 IST

‘Bangla Bandh’ Live Updates: What's Open, What's Closed? 

As the BJP called for bandh, the TMC-led state government has not endorsed it, meaning public transportation, including Railways, Metro, buses, autos, and cabs, is expected to run normally. However, transportation in Kolkata, the protest's epicenter, may be disrupted in areas affected by demonstrations. Traffic diversions are anticipated, with Kolkata Traffic Police setting up barricades to manage the BJP-led protests. 

The state issued a notification indicating that all government offices would stay open, and employees, unless dealing with emergencies or on leave, must report for duty on August 28. Failure to do so will result in a show-cause notice for unauthorised absence. 

Schools and colleges in Kolkata are expected to remain open, as the district administration has not announced any closures. Hospitals are also likely to operate on their regular schedules. 

07:05 IST

'Bangla Bandh' Live Updates: Sukanta Majumdar Said, 'We Are Forced To...'

The bandh is called from 6am to 6pm on Wednesday (August 28). “We are forced to give the call for a general strike as this autocratic regime is turning a deaf ear to the voices of people, the demand for justice for the deceased doctor's sister. Instead of justice, Mamata Banerjee's police are turning on the peace-loving people of the state, who only wanted a safe and secure environment for women,” said BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar.

07:00 IST

‘Bangla Bandh’ Live Updates: BJP’s Nadda Said, Mamata ‘Crossed All Limits’ 

Taking swipe at the Mamata Banerjee government, Union Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda on Tuesday said that the violence and repression observed on West Bengal's streets, attributing it to Mamata Banerjee's government and its police. He described the treatment of doctors, youth, and women demanding justice as not only condemnable but also a shameful act against humanity. 

"In West Bengal, a daughter is brutally raped but Mamata Banerjee is silent. The dignity of a woman is torn to shreds, the parents of the daughter are misled and Mamata Banerjee is silent. When the youth power of the country tried to raise their voice against the new justice by launching the 'Nabanna Abhiyaan', then Mamata Banerjee realised her position as the Chief Minister and crossed all limits of cruelty to save the culprits,” Nadda added. 

06:49 IST

‘Bangla Bandh’ Over 'Nabanna March' Live Updates: Visuals Show Kolkata Streets In Chaos

Several Protestors on Tuesday forcefully removed police barricades during their agitation over the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case, as they marched in the 'Nabanna Abhiyan.' In response, police resorted to lathi charges and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. 

06:35 IST

‘West Bengal Bandh’ Live Updates: Violence Erupts In Key Kolkata Areas 

Violent clashes erupted at MG Road, Hastings Road, Princep Ghat, Santragachi, and Howrah Maidan, resulting in injuries to both protestors and 29 police personnel. According to a PTI report, 126 members and supporters of the Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj were arrested, including 33 women. 

06:31 IST

Nabanna Abhiyan, West Bengal Bandh LIVE: 200 Detained As Protests Turn Violent In Kolkata

Over 200 individuals were arrested statewide following violent clashes between protestors and law enforcement, PTI quoted a police report. Demonstrators resorted to relentless stone and glass bottle pelting at several locations where police efforts to halt their march were met with resistance. The violence left 29 officers injured, including 15 from the Kolkata Police and 14 from the state police force. 

06:26 IST

'Bengal Bandh’ Live Updates: Adhikari Alleges Over 160 Injured In Police Crackdown

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has claimed that more than 160 protestors, including 17 women, were injured during a police crackdown. Adhikari criticized the authorities for their handling of the situation, accusing them of excessive force against demonstrators.

06:14 IST

West Bengal Bandh 28 August: Mamata Banerjee's Government Urges Against BJP's 12-Hour Strike 

The Mamata Banerjee’s government has requested the people to not respond to the BJP’s 6am to 6pm general strike. Soon after the saffron party’s announcement, the state issued a notification and informed that all government offices would remain open. 

“The government will not allow any bandh on Wednesday. We urge people not to participate in it. All steps shall be taken to ensure that normal life is unaffected,” said Alapan Bandopadhyay, the chief advisor to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, reported PTI.

The senior officials of Bengal police referenced several high court rulings that declared bandhs organized by political parties as ‘illegal.’ 

06:10 IST

'Bengal Bandh' Today: BJP Urged To Impose ‘President’s Rule’ In State 

Condemning the police action on protesters, Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar announced a 12-hour Bangla Bandh on Wednesday.  

State Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari escalated the demand by urging Governor CV Ananda Bose to ‘impose President’s Rule’ in West Bengal.