After Kolkata Doctor’s Tragic Rape and Murder, Reclaim the Night Protests Grips Bengal
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/14th August 2024
West Bengal is bracing for a large-scale protest tonight as men, women, political leaders, and celebrities unite to express outrage over the horrific rape and murder of a woman trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident, which occurred on the eve of India’s 78th Independence Day, has sparked widespread anger and led to a movement to demand justice and safety for women.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has swiftly taken charge of the case, with a team of senior officers, including medical and forensic experts, arriving in Kolkata on Wednesday to begin their investigation. The CBI team will be examining the seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College where the trainee doctor’s body was discovered on August 9. Three specialized groups of CBI officers have been formed to thoroughly investigate the matter, aiming to uncover the truth behind this heinous crime.
As the CBI launches its probe, protests are set to ignite across West Bengal. According to reports, demonstrations will take place at midnight in at least 45 locations, with people from all walks of life gathering to demand justice for the slain doctor. The protests are being described as a fight for “women’s independence on the midnight of Independence,” with participants encouraged to bring candles and conch shells as symbols of solidarity and strength.
Social media has played a crucial role in mobilizing support for the protests, with messages circulating widely on platforms like WhatsApp. Slogans such as “Justice for RG Kar,” “The Night is Ours,” and “Women Seize the Night” are resonating with many, fueling the momentum of this grassroots movement. Organizers have been sharing details about gathering locations, ensuring that people from various parts of Kolkata and other towns across Bengal can join the cause.
This unprecedented movement has garnered support from both ruling and opposition party leaders. Notably, senior Trinamool Congress MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray has voiced his condemnation of the crime and pledged his support for the protest. Although he will not be able to join the midnight demonstration due to his age, Ray has expressed his solidarity by announcing a personal dharna from 5 PM to 9 PM. In a heartfelt post on social media, Ray emphasized the importance of resisting cruelty against women and urged others to join the fight for justice.
The Calcutta High Court’s recent decision to transfer the investigation from the Kolkata Police to the CBI has intensified the situation. The court’s order came amid widespread agitation by junior doctors, which has severely disrupted healthcare services in the state. With emergency and outdoor departments in many state-run hospitals coming to a standstill, the demand for swift and thorough justice has only grown louder.
Sanjoy Roy, the accused in this horrific crime, has been handed over to the CBI after being arrested by the Kolkata Police. The CBI is now in possession of key documents and the case diary, following a directive from the court to take over the investigation.
Adding to the momentum of the protests, several Tollywood celebrities, including Swastika Mukherjee, Prasenjit Chatterjee, and others, have announced their participation in tonight’s demonstration. Their involvement underscores the widespread impact of this tragic event and the collective determination to reclaim the night and ensure that justice is served.
