Civil society members took to the streets across Kolkata on Tuesday night, demanding justice for the postgraduate woman doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The protestors, primarily women, gathered in large numbers in areas like Shyambazar, Jadavpur, Kestopur, Netajinagar, and Haridevpur, calling for the safety and security of women and urging strict punishment for the perpetrators.
Protester Aditi Basu Roy, speaking at Kestopur, vowed that the rallies would continue until the victim, named “Abhaya” by protestors, receives justice. She noted that their prayers during the festive period of Mahalaya were for Maa Durga to punish the “demons” responsible for the crime.
Minor Scuffle
In Haridevpur, a clash broke out between protesters chanting “Justice for RG Kar” and local residents. Organizers, under the banner of *Nagarik Samaj*, accused supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of attacking their rally without provocation. The TMC workers, on the other hand, alleged that the protesters raised offensive slogans against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Police swiftly intervened to restore calm.
Reclaim the Night
Protests have continued under the banner of “Reclaim the Night,” with civil society members and common citizens holding midnight marches to express solidarity with the victim’s family. The first major round of protests on August 15 led to vandalism at RG Kar Medical College, prompting the Supreme Court to order the deployment of Central forces.
On September 20, a diverse group—including doctors, activists, cartoonists, IT professionals, scientists, and professors—participated in a 42-kilometer foot march, starting at 4 pm and ending near Shyambazar at midnight, covering significant parts of northern and southern Kolkata.
