The Kolkata Police have begun investigating after slogans of “Kashmir Mange Azadi” (Kashmir wants freedom) were raised during a protest in the Jadavpur area of Kolkata, as reported by India Today.
The protest on Tuesday was originally organized in response to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College on August 9, which has stirred widespread anger among healthcare workers across India.
A First Information Report (FIR) was filed after a viral video surfaced showing protesters chanting slogans supporting Kashmir’s freedom. The police have registered the case under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), invoking Section 152, related to actions against the sovereignty of India, and Section 285, concerning public safety.
The appearance of separatist slogans during a protest primarily centered on seeking justice for the murdered doctor has led to heightened tensions.
Kashmir’s political significance has made this issue more sensitive, with the focus of the rally shifting from medical safety to national unity concerns.
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible for raising the slogans, and the protest organizers may be questioned as part of the investigation.
West Bengal’s ruling party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), condemned the incident. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh stated, “We oppose and condemn such slogans. This is a democratic state, but raising separatist slogans is unacceptable. Kashmir is a part of India, and we reject this separatist approach amid the RG Kar case.”
The protest, initially aimed at advocating for better safety measures for medical professionals, has now become a focal point for political scrutiny. The police continue to investigate both the protest and the involvement of separatist elements.