BJP's Bengal Bandh Sparks Controversy and Clashes

BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar criticizes CM Mamata Banerjee amid protests and clashes over Bengal Bandh sparked by the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case. Police detain BJP leaders as tensions rise between political parties, leading to accusations and violence across the state.

Exuding his support for the Bengal Bandh call, BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Wednesday asserted that the people of Bengal are furious at the sitting Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee. He criticized her alleged use of police and violence to silence dissent, urging instead for justice and a fair investigation into the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case.

Amid escalating tensions, Kolkata police detained BJP leader Locket Chatterjee during the 12-hour protest in West Bengal. Chatterjee, detained at Bata Chowk, remarked that detentions would not quell public anger. BJP's Rupa Ganguly echoed this sentiment, declaring the Bandh successful as empty buses indicated public participation.

The situation intensified with accusations of violence from both parties. BJP leader Priyangu Pandey alleged that TMC members attacked and fired at his car, while TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh accused the BJP of inciting anarchy. Security forces resorted to tear gas, water cannons, and lathicharge to disperse protestors during the chaos in Kolkata on August 27.

(With inputs from agencies.)