RG Kar rape victim’s parents ‘beaten up’ by Kolkata Police

Kolkata, August 9: The first death anniversary of Abhaya, the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim, was marked by high tension in Kolkata and Howrah on Saturday, as clashes erupted during the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ protest.

The victim’s parents, who had called for the march to demand justice for their daughter, were allegedly beaten and thrown to the ground by Kolkata Police while heading towards the state secretariat. The incident reportedly took place at Park Street, one of several locations where police resorted to lathi charges.

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari claimed that at least 100 people were injured in the day’s events, including BJP MLAs.

“Abhaya’s parents were beaten up. Mamata Banerjee will be removed from power because of this sin,” Adhikari said. He and other BJP leaders staged a sit-in on the road, vowing to continue the protest until instructed otherwise by the victim’s family.

The protest, which began on Saturday afternoon, saw thousands assemble following the parents’ appeal to all political parties — except the ruling Trinamool Congress — to join without party flags.

Kolkata and Howrah witnessed multiple flashpoints as protesters attempted to march towards Nabanna. Police had raised concrete and steel barricades, deployed water cannons and containers, and enforced traffic restrictions since morning to contain the agitation.

“Calcutta High Court has allowed peaceful protest,” Adhikari said, urging participants to avoid confrontations with the police and expressing solidarity with the bereaved family.

Security remains heightened in the Nabanna area as demonstrations continue into the evening.