Howrah barricaded ahead of RG Kar's Nabanna Abhiyan; Police seal key roads with iron beams

Security has been tightened across Howrah ahead of the August 9 Nabanna March. Iron beams have been concreted on both sides of roads at Satragachhi (Kona Expressway), Banshtala More (Foreshore Road), and Howrah Maidan (GT Road), with barricades locked using nuts and bolts. Iron and bamboo barricades are also in place at Mallik Fatak, Kazipada, and Baitaitala. Police have dug trenches along parts of Kona Expressway to restrict movement. Senior officers inspected all key points. No official police permission has been granted for the march, though organisers claim to have applied.

The protest marks one year since the RG Kar rape and murder case. The victim’s parents have called for a peaceful, apolitical march, inviting all parties except the ruling Trinamool Congress. CPI(M)’s Md Salim, BJP’s Shamik Bhattacharya, SUCI’s Chandidas Bhattacharya, and BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari have expressed support. Congress was approached but state president Subhankar Sarkar was unavailable. SUCI voiced concern over politicisation but backed the cause.

Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer, was convicted in January 2025 and sentenced to life. The victim’s family alleges others were involved. The state and CBI have appealed for capital punishment, while Roy has filed a counter-appeal claiming innocence. The High Court will hear the matter in September. Trinamool’s Kunal Ghosh said, “We sympathise with the family, but their recent steps seem influenced by other forces.” Last year’s similar rally saw police use water cannons and tear gas near Nabanna.