On October 3, 2024, actress-turned-politician Roopa Ganguly was arrested in Kolkata following a night-long sit-in protest at the Bansdroni Police Station. Known for her iconic role as Draupadi in the Mahabharat television series and as a former Rajya Sabha member from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Ganguly was demanding the release of local BJP leader Rubi Das, who had been detained the previous day during a protest. The protest was in response to the tragic death of a local schoolboy, which had sparked widespread unrest in the area.
The Tragic Incident in Bansdroni
The situation unfolded after a Class 9 student was killed in an accident involving a Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) payloader, which was being used for road repairs. The boy was standing near his bicycle when the vehicle struck him, leading to his tragic death. The incident immediately triggered protests from local residents, who blamed negligence on the part of the authorities for the boy’s death
The accident not only shocked the community but also led to growing tensions between the public and the local administration. Angry residents demanded accountability and swift action, including the arrest of those involved in the roadwork and the driver responsible for the accident.
Roopa Ganguly’s Protest
Soon after the accident, Roopa Ganguly reached the Bansdroni Police Station and initiated a sit-in protest. Her primary demand was the release of Rubi Das, a local BJP leader who, along with four other party members, had been arrested during a demonstration over the schoolboy’s death. Ganguly accused the police of detaining peaceful protestors while failing to take action against the individuals responsible for the accident
Throughout the night of October 2, Ganguly remained at the police station, staging her protest. She alleged that the police were shielding local Trinamool Congress (TMC) members who had disrupted the BJP’s demonstration. Despite the peaceful nature of her protest, Kolkata Police intervened the following morning, declaring her arrest at around 10 AM on October 3
Roopa Ganguly Arrested: Political Controversy
Roopa Ganguly’s arrest has escalated into a major political controversy. The BJP condemned the actions of the Kolkata Police, accusing them of acting under pressure from the ruling Trinamool Congress. Ganguly also alleged that her supporters were attacked by TMC activists during the earlier protest and that the police had turned a blind eye to the violence. In her defense, Ganguly emphasized that her protest was aimed at ensuring justice for the schoolboy and not merely a political demonstration
Upon her arrest, Ganguly criticized the police for their harsh treatment, claiming that they did not allow her basic amenities during the protest, including refusing to let her take her belongings as she was being escorted out.
Reactions from the Film and Political World
As news of Roopa Ganguly’s arrest spread, several political leaders and members of the entertainment industry voiced their support for her. BJP leaders condemned the arrest, accusing the West Bengal government of suppressing democratic protests. Ganguly’s arrest has become symbolic of the growing political friction in the state, where the BJP and the TMC have repeatedly clashed over governance and law and order issues
Her supporters from the entertainment industry also expressed their concern, pointing to her long-standing contributions to both cinema and public service. Ganguly, once a celebrated actress and now an outspoken politician, remains a significant figure in both fields.
Local Residents and Their Grievances
The accident that led to the protests has brought attention to deeper issues within the Bansdroni area. Local residents have complained about ongoing road repair work, claiming that the lack of safety precautions and poor infrastructure management were to blame for the accident. The absence of the local TMC councillor, Anita Kar Majumdar, further fueled public frustration. Many residents expressed their anger at the administration’s failure to address the safety concerns that led to the tragic death of the schoolboy
Conclusion
Roopa Ganguly’s arrest highlights the volatile mix of politics, public outrage, and law enforcement in West Bengal. While her protest was rooted in the tragedy of a young boy’s death, it has taken on a larger political dimension, bringing into focus the friction between the BJP and the ruling TMC. As investigations into the accident continue, the public’s demand for accountability remains strong. Roopa Ganguly’s call for justice, and her subsequent arrest, underscore the ongoing tensions in the state’s political landscape.
