Kolkata Police Impose Section 163 to Avert Chaos During Idol Immersion as Doctors Intensify Protest

Kolkata: Kolkata Police has imposed Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, across nine key locations in the city to prevent unlawful gatherings and ensure public order during the Durga Puja Immersion Carnival scheduled for today on Red Road. The restrictions, which ban rallies, processions, and gatherings of five or more people, have been enforced around areas such as Rani Rashmoni Avenue, near the protest site outside RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, to avoid disturbances.

In its official statement, Kolkata Police said, "It is necessary for preventing danger, obstruction or inconvenience to the public in connection with the 'Immersion Carnival' on Red Road, Kolkata on October 15."

"Whereas it has come to knowledge that some individuals and organization are planning to hold a protest styled as Droho Carnival on R.R. Avenue or its vicinity, which is likely to
disturb the Immersion Carnival on Red Road and is likely to cause large scale disturbance of public tranquility and breach of peace," the statement read. 

The city is bracing for two large events – the Durga Puja Immersion Carnival and the ‘Droher Carnival,’ a protest organised by the Joint Platform of Doctors. Both are scheduled to start at 4 p.m. The Durga Puja Carnival, a yearly spectacle, will see 94 Puja idols parading on Red Road, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attending as the chief guest.

Meanwhile, the Joint Platform of Doctors has called for a ‘carnival of protest’ on Rani Rashmoni Avenue, expressing solidarity with the junior doctors on hunger strike at Esplanade, who are demanding better working conditions and accountability after the August 9 rape and murder at RG Kar Medical College.

Police have refused to grant a no-objection certificate for the protest, citing concerns over public safety and traffic disruptions. Despite appeals from Bengal’s Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to postpone the protest, the organisers plan to proceed with cultural performances and demonstrations on Rani Rashmoni Avenue.

To manage the situation, Kolkata Police has deployed a significant force at both venues. Officers will be responsible for different segments of Red Road, while senior officers will supervise security at the protest site. Traffic diversions are also planned, with the possibility of redirecting Puja participants through alternative routes if necessary.

The protesting junior doctors have assured that their demonstration will not interfere with the Durga Puja Carnival. They will form a human chain at Esplanade to support their 10-point demands, including justice for the hospital incident, and emphasised that their protest will be peaceful and non-disruptive.

(With Inputs form ANI)