The Kolkata Police has imposed prohibitory orders on gatherings of more than five people on Red Road and its surrounding areas as the city prepares for the annual Durga Puja Carnival. The decision comes in response to planned protests by the BJP and ongoing agitation by junior doctors over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma issued the order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which allows for restrictions in urgent cases of potential danger or public nuisance. The order states that there is a “strong possibility” of protests disrupting the carnival, prompting the police to ban large gatherings in the area for one day.
In anticipation of the event, approximately 3,000 police officers have been deployed around Red Road, where the carnival will take place. The area will be closely monitored through watchtowers, and access for goods vehicles has been temporarily restricted. Roads connected to Red Road will also remain closed during the festivities.
The Durga Puja Carnival, which has been held annually since 2016, marks the grand finale of West Bengal’s largest cultural festival. This year, about 100 Durga Puja committees will participate, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to attend the celebrations.
However, the carnival is facing opposition from the BJP and junior doctors. Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, announced a rally from College Square to Esplanade to protest against the state’s handling of women’s safety in light of the RG Kar hospital incident. Adhikari emphasized that the rally would be non-partisan, without party flags, and called on the public to join the movement for women’s security in the state.
Junior doctors, who have been on hunger strike for over 10 days, also plan to stage a peaceful protest near Red Road by forming human chains. Their demonstration follows nearly 50 days of “cease work” in two phases, triggered by the rape and murder of the trainee doctor on August 9. The doctors are demanding action from the state government and justice for their colleague. On Monday, two more doctors involved in the hunger strike saw their health deteriorate, with one being hospitalized. Currently, seven doctors remain on a “fast-unto-death.”
The protests, combined with the carnival festivities, have created a tense atmosphere in the city, with authorities taking precautionary measures to prevent any disruptions.
