The Crossbill News Desk
The Kolkata Police resorted to a lathi charge on the supporters of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting clubs who had gathered in large numbers near Salt Lake Stadium, demanding justice for the postgraduate trainee doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Hospital.
Kolkata has witnessed significant backlash and protests since the incident on the night of August 9. The city police cancelled the season’s first derby, the Durand Cup match between the Mohun Bagan and East Bengal the previous day citing security concerns.
Despite prohibitory orders, fans of both clubs gathered in large numbers near the stadium to join the protest. In a rare display of unity, supporters of the arch-rivals walked hand-in-hand, chanting, “We want justice.”
Kalyan Chaubey, the president of the All India Football Federation, who was also present at the protests, said, "It is very shameful; law and order has completely collapsed in West Bengal. A football match could not happen... and look at police deployment, it looks like a riot is going on," news agency PTI reported.
"The first derby match of the season between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan was scheduled to be held today and the number of police personnel that has been deployed here to stop this match and to arrest the supporters who had come to watch the match, if even half of them were deployed then this match would have taken place today,” Chaubey added speaking to ANI.
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An illustration made for the protest
Earlier on Sunday, Bidhannagar City Police issued a legal notice warning against protests and rallies without permission, citing Section 168 of The BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) Act of 2023.
"We are first Indians. Before Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, we are Indians. Atrocity has happened against Indian woman. We were protesting peacefully here...But the police started a lathi charge...," a football supporter told ANI.
Kolkata has witnessed significant backlash and protests since the incident on the night of August 9. The city police cancelled the season’s first derby, the Durand Cup match between the Mohun Bagan and East Bengal the previous day citing security concerns.
Despite prohibitory orders, fans of both clubs gathered in large numbers near the stadium to join the protest. In a rare display of unity, supporters of the arch-rivals walked hand-in-hand, chanting, “We want justice.”
VIDEO | Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Supporters of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan protest near Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 18, 2024
Earlier today, police said that Derby match between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan was cancelled apprehending attempts by some elements and organisations… pic.twitter.com/Vq1pJ38rUQ
Kalyan Chaubey, the president of the All India Football Federation, who was also present at the protests, said, "It is very shameful; law and order has completely collapsed in West Bengal. A football match could not happen... and look at police deployment, it looks like a riot is going on," news agency PTI reported.
"The first derby match of the season between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan was scheduled to be held today and the number of police personnel that has been deployed here to stop this match and to arrest the supporters who had come to watch the match, if even half of them were deployed then this match would have taken place today,” Chaubey added speaking to ANI.
An illustration made for the protest
Earlier on Sunday, Bidhannagar City Police issued a legal notice warning against protests and rallies without permission, citing Section 168 of The BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) Act of 2023.
"We are first Indians. Before Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, we are Indians. Atrocity has happened against Indian woman. We were protesting peacefully here...But the police started a lathi charge...," a football supporter told ANI.
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