In the midst of the ongoing doctors' strike in West Bengal, tensions rise as four student activists are arrested by the state police for planning to disrupt a protest march to the state secretariat. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP claims they have gone missing, while the police assert that they were involved in a conspiracy of violence. As demands for the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee continue, a separate rally is called for by the Junior Doctors Forum to demand justice for a recent rape and murder victim.
Nabanna Abhijan: Escalating Tensions in West Bengal
Amidst the ongoing doctors' strike in West Bengal, tensions have escalated following the arrest of four student activists by the state police. The arrests were made in connection with an alleged plan to disrupt a protest march to the state secretariat, Nabanna, on Monday.
Background
The doctors' strike began on June 11, demanding better working conditions and a hike in stipends. The government has remained firm in its stance, leading to a stalemate. During a previous protest march to Nabanna on June 16, police used tear gas and lathi-charges to disperse the crowd.
Student Activists' Arrest
On Monday, August 1, police arrested four student activists, Anirban Bhattacharya, Debangshu Das, Subhadip Chatterjee, and Amitava Bhattacharya. According to the police, the students were planning to use Molotov cocktails and stones to disrupt the protest march.
Opposition's Allegations
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the main opposition party in West Bengal, alleged that the students have gone missing. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari claimed that the government was trying to suppress dissent.
Police's Response
The police denied the allegations of missing students and asserted that the arrests were made based on credible evidence of a conspiracy of violence. They stated that the students were actively involved in planning the disruption of the Nabanna rally.
Continued Protests
Despite the arrests, protests continued in West Bengal. The Junior Doctors Forum organized a separate rally to demand justice for a recent rape and murder victim. They blamed the state government for failing to provide adequate security for women.
Chief Minister's Response
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has condemned the violence that erupted during the Nabanna rally. She stated that the government will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt public order. However, she has not yet responded to the opposition's allegations regarding the missing students.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
What is Nabanna Abhijan? Nabanna Abhijan refers to the protest march to the state secretariat, Nabanna, which has been organized by various opposition groups and student activists to demand the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Why were the student activists arrested? The student activists were arrested for allegedly planning to disrupt the Nabanna rally using violence.
What is the BJP's stance on the arrests? The BJP has claimed that the students have gone missing and is alleging a government cover-up.
What is the government's response to the allegations? The government has denied the allegations and asserted that the arrests were made based on evidence of a conspiracy.
What is the current status of the doctors' strike? The doctors' strike is still ongoing, with both sides refusing to budge from their demands.
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