Kolkata: Thousands flooded the streets as Kolkata saw a surge in citizen protests Sunday night, praying that next day’s sun would bring with it the much-awaited verdict when the Supreme Court hears the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case.
The “Reclaim the Night” movement, marking a month since a 31-year-old postgraduate resident doctor was found raped and murdered in the hospital on Aug 9, saw participants with posters, banners, black balloons, and street performances continuing their demonstrations through the night.
A ribbon of solidarity unfurled for 15km, linking the victim’s home in Sodepur to Shyambazar near RG Kar hospital through a human chain. From homemakers to schoolchildren and traders, people of all walks of life, free from political banners, stood shoulder to shoulder.
Researcher Rimjhim Sinha, who initiated the “Reclaim the Night” campaign, expressed hope for a “fair judicial inquiry” and called for systemic changes. “We are overwhelmed with the response… it is about the safety of all of us,” she said.
In south Kolkata’s Gariahat locality, former students from 52 schools held a rally, painted the streets and formed a human chain. Movie artistes marched too, while painter Santan Dinda joined the protest by painting a Durga idol and leading a march that ended at Shyambazar.
“We are the artists who give shape to the ten-armed goddess with clay. It’s our duty to walk for justice for a Durga, whom we lost,” said artist Subal Paul.
Fans of rival football clubs Mohun Bagan and East Bengal participated in the marches, alongside artists and artisans wearing black bands and carrying Durga idols. “We have never seen such spontaneous protests by the citizens before. We demand justice for another Durga,” Dinda said.
Yet, a street demonstration was overshadowed by attacks in Naihati, 47km north of Kolkata. According to sources, local youths assaulted the participants and struck again when the protesters blocked a road in response to the initial attack.
Junior doctors, who have been on a month-long strike, are awaiting the top court’s decision. They plan to gather near their campuses Monday morning. Large screens may be set up at protest sites to livestream the court proceedings. “We are frustrated with the slow pace of the CBI probe,” said Mrinmoy Basak, a third-year postgraduate trainee at Calcutta National Medical College, expressing hope that the court would provide clarity on the case.
The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front plans to discuss their next steps after the hearing, with some suggesting that protests would continue even if the verdict is positive. “This is not a petty crime. It has evoked mass solidarity,” said senior resident doctor Debasish Haldar.
