A protest in Kolkata, India, demanding justice for the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor on August 9 at a government hospital in the city ended in mass clashes between rival political factions.
The motion, which began peacefully, marched to a government building to demand the resignation of Mamata Banerjee, chief minister of West Bengal state.
In addition, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters blocked roads and railway tracks in Kolkata, erecting barricades and clashing with police.
However, the demonstration, in which various slogans were chanted, turned violent when the country’s police fired tear gas and water cannons at the thousands of protesters, in an attempt to disperse the protest.
Police officials said clashes broke out between the BJP and Banerjee’s All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC) party in different neighbourhoods of Kolkata and its suburbs. BJP supporters accused Banerjee’s government of failing to ensure the safety of women and held her responsible for the doctor’s murder.
The protests were echoed in cities, while medical staff went on strike in solidarity, although many workers later returned to work.
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2024-08-31 17:19:35