Clashes Erupt in Kolkata Amid Protests Against Violence on Women
Tensions escalated in Kolkata, India, as thousands of demonstrators clashed over the tragic rape and murder of a doctor, igniting a fierce political struggle between rival parties. The 31-year-old doctor's lifeless body was discovered in a government hospital on August 9, triggering nationwide outrage over the ongoing violence against women. The incident has not only reignited protests across the country but also led to strikes among health workers, although many have since returned to work.
The protests in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, quickly devolved into violent confrontations between supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As chants of "We want justice" echoed through the streets, BJP supporters demanded the resignation of Trinamool leader Mamata Banerjee, who also serves as the state's Health and Home Affairs Minister. In response, Trinamool supporters shouted back, intensifying the already volatile atmosphere.
The situation became increasingly chaotic on Tuesday when police resorted to tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd, resulting in the arrest of at least 245 individuals. The BJP retaliated by erecting barricades to block streets and railways, leading to further altercations in various neighborhoods of Kolkata. Amid these clashes, the police stepped in to restore order, although a sense of unease remained as a doctors' demonstration was planned for later in the day.
As investigations continue, a suspect linked to the murder has been apprehended. However, critics of Banerjee are holding her accountable for fostering an environment where violence against women can thrive, echoing the sentiments of protests that followed a similar case in New Delhi in 2012. This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for action against gender-based violence in India.
