Bhopal gas tragedy rally stopped after effigy sparks controversy
The 41st anniversary rally remembering the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy was cut short on Wednesday when BJP and RSS workers objected to an effigy they believed depicted an RSS worker.
Organized by survivor groups, the march started at Bharat Talkies and aimed for the Union Carbide factory memorial, but police stepped in, seized the effigy, and filed a case against organizers for allegedly inciting disharmony.
Organizers clarify intent as survivor groups voice frustration
Organizers said their effigies were meant to symbolize those responsible for the disaster—not target any group.
Survivor groups also accused the BJP-led government of shielding Dow Chemical from accountability for a tragedy that killed over 5,000 people and left many more with lifelong health issues.
With tensions running high, organizers are now considering their own complaint about how their protest was disrupted.