ABVP Activists Protest Triggers Mild Lathi-Charge, Multiple Arrests in Bengal

The West Bengal police resorted to a mild lathi-charge and arrested over 20 ABVP activists during a protest march to the health department headquarters. The activists demanded Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation after the alleged rape and murder of a medic at RG Kar Hospital. The agitation has impacted healthcare services across the state.

On Tuesday, police employed a 'mild lathi-charge' and detained more than 20 ABVP activists following a clash during their protest march to the West Bengal health department headquarters. The activists were demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who also holds the roles of health and home minister, in response to the alleged rape and murder of an RG Kar Hospital medic.

Police had erected barricades on several roads leading to Swasthya Bhavan, which the ABVP activists attempted to breach. 'We have only one demand - the resignation of the chief minister. What happened at the RG Kar hospital is unthinkable,' a female ABVP activist stated.

The victim, a post-graduate trainee, was allegedly raped and murdered, with her body discovered in the seminar room of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. A civic volunteer was arrested the following day in connection with the case, igniting nationwide outrage. Healthcare services in state-run hospitals have been severely affected as junior doctors initiated a cease-work movement from August 9, seeking justice for the victim and better security at medical facilities. The agitation continued into its 12th day as of Tuesday.