Police install barricades, water cannon to tackle Nabanna Abhiyan; Traffic diverted on key routes

Kolkata is on high alert as protestors plan a march to Nabanna on Saturday, a year after the R.G. Kar incident. Although state police officials claim no official permission has been sought for the demonstration, the Kolkata Police have implemented stringent security measures to prevent any potential unrest. The city is bracing for a day of potential traffic disruption and heightened security.

According to sources from Lalbazar (Kolkata Police Headquarters), traffic will be regulated on several key roads from 4 AM to 10 PM on Saturday. The affected routes include major arteries such as Vidyasagar Setu, Kidderpore Road, Taratala Road, Circular Garden Reach Road, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Hide Road, RR Avenue, Red Road, Duffrin Road, Mayo Road, AJC Bose Road, S.N. Banerjee Road, M.G. Road, Brabourne Road, and Howrah Bridge. This extensive diversion plan is aimed at minimizing chaos and ensuring public safety.

Security has also been significantly ramped up in key areas. Turf View Road, Hastings Mazar, Furlong Gate, and Kidderpore Road are under heavy police surveillance. A large number of police personnel have been deployed on the streets, anticipating potential disturbances. To control the crowd, containers, steel barricades, and aluminum guardwalls have been set up in many places. Police have also put up posters with messages like 'Don't break the law' and 'Maintain peace' across the city. Water cannons are also on standby as part of the preparations.

On Friday, senior police officials, including ADG Law and Order Javed Shamim, ADG South Bengal Supratim Sarkar, and Police Commissioners Manoj Varma and Praveen Tripathi of Kolkata and Howrah respectively, held a press conference to address the situation. ADG Law and Order Javed Shamim stated that the police have no objection to a peaceful procession. However, he emphasized the importance of following legal procedures and maintaining peace.

ADG South Bengal Supratim Sarkar reiterated this stance, highlighting that Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita has been imposed around Nabanna, making any form of assembly illegal in that area. He clarified that the administration has provided alternative locations for the protesters to gather, including Mandirtala bus stand, under Bankim Bridge, and Howrah Maidan, with a collective capacity for 1,200 people. As per a Calcutta High Court directive, Santragachi bus stand has also been designated as an alternative venue for a peaceful procession.