5 Things About Viral 'Monk' Who Braved Water Cannons During Kolkata Protest

Kolkata: Balram Bose, an elderly protester has taken social media by storm ever since his photo in a saffron attire braving water cannons while holding the tricolor during 'Nabanna Abhiyan' went viral. Questions arose about why an elderly man was present at a students' protest, with some praising him for standing up against state power for a cause he believed in. While some claimed he was a monk seeking justice for a rape-murder victim, others argued he was an RSS member and highlighted communal remarks he had allegedly made in the past.

Now, speaking to the news agency ANI, Bose has clarified what was he doing at the students' protest. "The agitation was called by students but it was said that one individual from every household should join it. I too have women in my house. So, we should be concerned for their safety. If the society remains well and secure, women will be respected. Gods do not reside where there is no respect for women...While taking part in the agitation, I believed that we have to make our voices reach Nabanna", Bose said.

Reacting to his gestures to Kolkata cops, Bose said,"If I had to, I would have died...I was gesturing to them to break free from the slavery that Policemen follow in an autocratic system. I was telling them to leave behind the handcuffs and join us in our march to Nabanna or use water cannons with such force that we all get washed away...I am a Sanatani, a Lord Shiv devotee...I don't want any political party to influence or divert this agitation. We want justice and nothing else..."

Who is Viral Monk Balram Bose?

• The elderly man is originally named Prabir Bose but now goes by Balaram Bose.
• His social media profiles indicate that he has a background in photography.
• A 2013 Facebook profile photo shows him clean-shaven, candidly posing with a camera and cigarette.
• He currently has a white beard, wears saffron clothing, and has religious markings on his forehead.
• His profile features several posts linking him to ABVP and criticizing the Mamata Banerjee government.

He has also posted a video statement on his Facebook profile. "I am Balaram Bose. I was participant in this students' protest. I just want to appeal to you not to stop this movement. Please continue this 'Justice for RG Kar' movement." He added, “Some are projecting me as a villain, some as a hero. But I am just an ordinary man, like the thousands of people in this movement. My only message to the people is: persist in this movement for justice, no matter whatever narratives are created.”