Kolkata, August 28 — A total of 220 people have been arrested during the 'Nabanna Abhiyan' protest organized by the 'West Bengal Chhatra Samaj' to demand justice for the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. Many others have been detained for questioning, according to Kolkata Police.

The Kolkata Police described Tuesday's Nabanna raid as an "untimely, disorderly rampage" and a "riotous movement." At a press conference held in the evening, Additional Director General of Police (South Bengal) Supratim Sarkar stated, "It was announced that there would be a peaceful movement, but what we witnessed was a violent protest. This does not reflect the true student community of Bengal."

Sarkar added, "We had information that they would try to exploit the emotions of the common people to provoke the police into using force. Our fears were realized." 

According to a report by *Anandabazar*, out of the 220 people arrested, 23 are women, and 94 were taken into custody by the state police. The police also confirmed that 15 officers were injured during the Nabanna operation. ADG Supratim further mentioned that four individuals were arrested at Howrah station and that there is "specific information" about a conspiracy behind the movement, including plans to dispose of a body. "There is irrefutable evidence," he added.

Following these arrests, a substantial police presence has been deployed in the Nabanna area to maintain order. The police claimed that the protest, which was organized under the guise of a student movement, was marked by behavior uncharacteristic of a legitimate student community in Bengal. "No true student of Bengal would engage in such hooliganism," said a police officer.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Indira Mukhopadhyay said, "I was on the road from 8 am. By 11 am, the agitators began pelting bricks. Despite our attempts to maintain order and repeated warnings not to disrupt the law, we were compelled to take action and make arrests."

The 'Nabanna Abhiyan,' named after West Bengal's administrative headquarters, was called for Wednesday following the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College Hospital in Kolkata. However, both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) have alleged that the protest is being fueled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) under the guise of a student movement.

While the BJP claims to have merely supported the students' campaign, reports indicate that BJP and RSS supporters from several districts of West Bengal joined the protest in Kolkata. The area around Nabanna turned into a battlefield as police and protesters clashed, resulting in injuries on both sides.

In response to the violent clashes, the BJP has called for a 12-hour statewide bandh (general strike) on Wednesday. They have also announced a sit-in protest starting Thursday. Meanwhile, the police and state government have pledged to take all necessary legal measures to ensure the smooth operation of public transportation on Wednesday.

The protests initially began as a response to the rape and murder of the female doctor but have since evolved into a movement demanding the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, with slogans like "Dafa One, Demand One, Mamata's Resignation" being prominently displayed on placards.