“Women in Kolkata plan a midnight protest on August 15 to demand justice for the recent rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The protest, titled ‘For women’s independence on the midnight of independence,’ highlights the urgent call for women’s safety and systemic change in the wake of this tragic incident.”
A massive protest is set to take place in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal against the recent horrific rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The protest, starting at 11:55 PM tomorrow, is themed “For women’s independence on the midnight of independence,” symbolizing a powerful call for women’s safety and independence in the wake of this tragic incident.
Widespread Mobilization Across Bengal
The midnight protest is rapidly gaining momentum, with posters circulating on social media that share various locations where people will gather. The protest aims to attract participants from across the state, with new spots being added as more people, including those from suburban areas, join the cause. The movement has also garnered significant male support, with many men planning to participate to show their solidarity.
Prominent figures from the arts and entertainment industry, such as actors Swastika Mukherjee and Churni Ganguly, and filmmaker Pratim D Gupta, have called on citizens to join the midnight gathering at a location convenient for them. This collective outcry highlights the community’s demand for justice and better protection for women.
The Tragic Incident at RG Kar Medical College
Kolkata has been deeply disturbed by the gruesome rape and murder of the doctor at the state-run hospital while she was on night duty. Her body was discovered on Friday morning in a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, located in the northern part of the city. The victim had sustained severe injuries to her eyes, face, mouth, neck, limbs, and private parts, indicating the brutal nature of the crime.
Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer known to frequent the hospital, has been arrested in connection with the case. The incident has prompted an outpouring of anger and calls for swift justice from the public and government officials alike.
Government and Police Response
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has given the city police until Sunday to complete their investigation. She has stated that if the investigation remains incomplete by then and the victim’s family wishes, the state government will recommend a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, emphasizing that the government has nothing to hide.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal assured the public that the police are diligently investigating the case. “We are speaking to everyone who was near the place of occurrence at the time of the incident,” he said. “We are certain that if there are other culprits, they will be arrested within the next four to five days.”
A Call for Change
The protest reflects widespread frustration with the ongoing issue of women’s safety in India and serves as a rallying cry for societal change. By taking to the streets at midnight, the participants aim to reclaim public spaces for women, demanding that they should be able to move freely and safely at any time of day or night.
As the protest unfolds, it sends a clear message to authorities and society as a whole: the fight for women’s safety and independence must be relentless and unwavering. The tragic case of the Kolkata doctor serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure justice and protection for all women.
