**BJP Worker Arrested for Assaulting Police During Protest in Kolkata**
Kolkata Police have apprehended BJP worker Chandan Gupta for allegedly assaulting a police constable during the Nabanna Abhiyan protest on August 9. This protest marked the one-year anniversary of the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Gupta was taken into custody on Tuesday evening after being identified through various CCTV and body camera footage that confirmed his involvement in the incident.
The Nabanna Abhiyan, organized by the BJP, aimed to demand justice for the victim in the RG Kar case and resulted in significant unrest across Kolkata and Howrah. During the protest, Constable Prasanta Poddar, who was serving as a bodyguard to Kolkata Police DCP (SSD) Bidisha Kalita Dasgupta, was reportedly attacked by a group of BJP workers. Video evidence released by the police shows Poddar being thrown onto the street and assaulted. He sustained serious injuries to his head, shoulder, and body and was subsequently admitted to the trauma care unit at SSKM Hospital.
In response to the assault, police have registered a case of attempted murder along with other charges under sections 109(1), 121(2), and 3(5) of the BNS Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at New Market Police Station. Gupta is expected to be presented in court today, with police seeking custody for further investigation.
**Police Actions Related to the RG Kar Protest**
Kolkata Police have issued notices to several BJP leaders, including MLA Ashok Dinda, councillor Sajal Ghosh, and North Kolkata party president Tamaghno Ghosh, among others, in connection with the August 9 protest. Authorities have indicated that additional BJP leaders, workers, and supporters have also been implicated in various cases stemming from the protest.
One case filed at Hare Street Police Station accuses protest organizers of diverting the procession route, causing obstructions, and disobeying lawful orders. Multiple cases have been registered at New Market Police Station, including charges for the brutal assault on Constable Poddar, vandalism of a hawkers’ union office, and damage to a media person’s camera.
Former BJP MP Arjun Singh has also been named in a case at New Market Police Station. Another FIR at Hare Street includes names of BJP leaders such as Koustav Bagchi and Shankudeb Panda, along with pro-BJP student leader Sayan Lahiri and others. Additionally, an unidentified group of BJP supporters is facing charges in a case filed at Park Street Police Station. In total, seven cases have been recorded in Kolkata, with three more filed at Howrah Police Station and Jagacha Police Station against unidentified individuals.
As the investigation continues, the implications of these events on political dynamics in the region remain to be seen.
**FAQ**
**What led to the arrest of Chandan Gupta?**
Chandan Gupta was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police constable during the Nabanna Abhiyan protest in Kolkata, which was held to demand justice for a murder case.
