On Saturday, August 9, 2025, protestors marching towards the West Bengal secretariat, known as 'Nabanna', reached Santragachi in Howrah district and attempted to breach police barricades. The march marked the one-year anniversary of the rape and murder of an on-duty doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The protestors were participating in the 'Nabanna Chalo Abhiyan'. They shouted slogans demanding justice for Abhaya, the RG Kar victim, and voiced their determination to reach the state secretariat despite police blockades. One protestor stated their resolve to reach Nabanna, asserting the state government must answer why justice had not been delivered even after a year.
Police were constantly issuing alerts over loudspeakers, urging protestors to abide by the Calcutta High Court order to maintain law and order. Despite these alerts, demonstrators were seen scaling the 10-ft high barricades in attempts to breach them.
In anticipation of the rally, police had set up barricades along roads leading to Nabanna and enforced prohibitory orders in the area. Howrah City Police had set up barricades at three key points leading to Nabanna: Kona Expressway near Santragachi railway station, Foreshore Road, and Howrah Maidan. Security measures also covered lanes and bylanes approaching Nabanna. The police have also earmarked two locations for peaceful gatherings: Santragachi bus stand and Rani Rashmoni Avenue in Kolkata.
Authorities had denied permission for the march to Nabanna, citing ongoing High Court cases and the need to prevent violence or damage. While peaceful protest is a fundamental right, the administration can impose restrictions to prevent violence or damage. Police commissioners from both Kolkata and Howrah stated that protesters must apply in advance with details about participant numbers and logistics. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma warned that the planned march would not be allowed, adding that surveillance through CCTV and drones would help identify any illegal activity. West Bengal Police ADG Supratim Sarkar stated that gatherings at unauthorized locations would face legal action.
The Calcutta High Court allowed the march but upheld the government's right to enforce prohibitory orders. The court stressed that the rally must be peaceful, and participants must not harm police or government property.
The parents of the deceased doctor urged citizens to join the march to Nabanna. Leader of Opposition in the assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, appealed to BJP workers to participate in the procession without any party flag. A senior TMC spokesperson accused the BJP of politicizing the tragic incident.
Security arrangements were tightened, and traffic restrictions were in place across Kolkata and Howrah. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been imposed in areas adjoining 'Nabanna'. Vehicular movement on the Howrah Bridge and the Vidyasagar Setu over the Hooghly river has been stopped. The security plan includes multi-layered barricades in the Santragachi area. Water cannons have also been stationed.
Senior police officers warned that no protests would be allowed near the state secretariat, where large gatherings are prohibited. They also warned rallyists against damaging public property.
