India: Sporadic protests likely to continue in West Bengal State through at least late November /update 9

Activists will likely continue staging their series of sporadic demonstrations in West Bengal State through at least late November following the alleged sexual assault and murder of a female resident doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College on August 9. On Nov. 21, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) will hold a protest march toward the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office at the CGO Complex in Kolkata. The action will commemorate the 100th day of the CBI's ongoing investigation into the case.

Additional gatherings of varying types, including marches and sit-ins, will likely continue over the coming days. Potential gathering sites include medical colleges, public healthcare institutions, government buildings like the chief minister's residence and office, law enforcement facilities such as police stations and CBI offices, public squares, and thoroughfares in urban centers. In Kolkata, popular gathering locations include Kolkata Police Headquarters, RG Kar Hospital, Nabanna, Shyambazar, and Swasthya Bhawan.

In recent weeks, healthcare practitioners have also held intermittent work stoppages, causing service disruptions at public medical facilities and colleges across the state. Further labor actions are likely to persist, and increased demand may lead to longer waiting times at private medical centers. Authorities will likely monitor any rallies that materialize and could use force to disperse unruly crowds. Depending on operational needs, officials may implement enhanced restrictions, including public gathering bans. Clashes between police and activists are possible. Isolated security incidents, including arson and vandalism, cannot be ruled out. Associated localized transport and business disruptions are possible.