Following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, tens of thousands of women in West Bengal marched through the streets on Wednesday night to demonstrate their solidarity. The Kolkata women’s protest for justice came after nearly a week of protests ignited by the brutal killing of the 31-year-old trainee doctor. She had collapsed in a training room after a 36-hour shift due to the lack of a designated rest area. The following day, her colleagues found her partially clothed body on the stage, marked by numerous injuries. Police apprehended a hospital volunteer worker in connection with the crime.
Numerous women from Kolkata and other regions responded to social media invitations to participate in the Kolkata women’s protest for justice. The situation remained largely tranquil as the demonstrators marched through the rain on Wednesday night. However, there were some disturbances when police and an unknown group of men engaged in a physical altercation at the hospital where the crime occurred. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, which resulted in some vehicle damage. Cell phones, candles, and torches on fire illuminated the features of protesters as they carried India’s flags and signs. Men of all ages attended the Kolkata women’s protest for justice. “We want justice!” was chanted by attendees at rallies and marches throughout the city.
Sanchari Mukherjee, an editor for a digital magazine, highlighted the diverse backgrounds of the demonstrators. As they marched past illuminated homes, people observed from windows and verandas. Public frustration with the local government’s handling of the case sparked the protests. Allegations of cover-ups and inadequate performance led to the case being transferred. Organizers carefully planned the Reclaim the Night March to include everyone and exclude political affiliations despite limited resources.
