Bengal Bandh: State bus drivers wear helmets as they resume duty during BJP’s Bengal bandh

Bengal Bandh: In response to the 12-hour ‘Bengal Bandh’ called by the BJP, state government-run bus drivers and conductors in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal were seen wearing helmets on Wednesday. The bandh, which began at 6 a.m., has led to increased security measures across the state.

The North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) issued instructions for drivers to wear helmets as a precaution against potential violence. One bus driver explained, “We are wearing helmets because of the bandh today. The department has provided us with these helmets.”

#WATCH | BJP’s 12-hour ‘Bengal Bandh’: Drivers of North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) buses seen wearing helmets, in Uttar Dinajpur

A bus diver says, “We are wearing the helmet as bandh has been called today…The government has ordered us to wear the helmets for… pic.twitter.com/TgEPJyD5zb

— ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2024

Another driver expressed concerns about the helmet’s impact on his job, stating, “I am a bit scared. It is for safety. It is a government order, but the helmet is causing some difficulties while driving.”

The BJP organised the bandh to protest against the police crackdown on demonstrators during the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ in Kolkata. The protests were triggered by the murder and alleged sexual assault of a female trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, which has sparked national outrage and led to numerous rallies across the country.

Reports indicate that extensive police deployment is in place to maintain law and order. On August 27, tensions escalated in Kolkata as security forces used tear gas, water cannons, and lathicharge to disperse protesters who were marching towards the West Bengal State Secretariat, Nabanna, in connection with the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital case.

The administration’s heightened security measures reflect their concerns about potential violence. In Kolkata and Cooch Behar, drivers from the North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) were seen adhering to the helmet-wearing directive.

Additional Superintendent of Police Dendup Sherpa of Uttar Dinajpur district confirmed that police personnel are stationed across the state to ensure public safety. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused the BJP of inciting violence, stating in a post on X, “BJP’s idea of a ‘peaceful protest’ involves pelting stones, pushing barricades, severely injuring police, and orchestrating extreme chaos to disrupt law and order. The ‘Nabanna Abhiyan’ orchestrated by the BJP is nothing short of a fatal attack on Bengal.”

Also Read: Bangla Bandh: BJP calls ‘Bangla bandh’ to protest police crackdown on Nabanna demonstrators