Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: The streets of Kolkata, once known as the City of Joy, are now the epicenter of ongoing protests as citizens demand justice for the brutal rape and murder of a young postgraduate doctor nearly a month ago. The protests, which have spread across India and beyond, include participation from the Indian community in 13 countries. The demonstrations reflect the growing anger and frustration over the handling of the case by the authorities.
In South Kolkata, two major marches are underway: one led by more than 40 school alumni associations, and another by prominent film actors from Tollywood. Artists have also joined the movement, creating graffiti at key intersections to express their support for the cause. Meanwhile, doctors at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the epicenter of the protests, continue their demonstrations, despite Supreme Court orders to return to work.
The protests will culminate in a “Reclaim the Night” demonstration, scheduled to take place at 11 p.m., where women from various fields—musicians, artists, painters, and actors—will march to demand safer streets. Similar protests are expected to take place in Kolkata’s suburban areas, including Barrackpore, Barasat, Budgebudge, and Dumdum, among others.
The rape and murder of the second-year postgraduate doctor on August 9 shocked the nation and has kept Kolkata in a continuous state of protest. Anger intensified due to the Bengal government’s perceived mishandling of the case. Allegations against the police investigation, including claims by the victim’s parents about a hasty cremation and offers of hush money, have further fueled public outrage.
Financial irregularities involving the hospital’s former principal, Sandip Ghosh, have also surfaced, raising additional questions about the institution’s management. Both the rape-murder case and the financial allegations are being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation, following an order from the Calcutta High Court.
The victim’s body was discovered in a seminar room at RG Kar Medical College on the morning of August 9. Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer stationed at the hospital, has been arrested in connection with the crime. Roy, who was posted at the hospital’s police outpost, reportedly had access to all areas of the facility.
The public’s demand for justice remains unwavering, and protests continue to grow as citizens and civil society rally together, determined to keep the case in the spotlight and hold authorities accountable.
