Protests for Justice Surge in West Bengal on Independence Eve

On the eve of Independence Day, citizens across West Bengal participated in widespread “Reclaim the Night” protests, echoing the ongoing demand for justice sparked by the tragic death of a postgraduate trainee doctor. Despite police restrictions, participants gathered in torchlight processions and candlelit vigils, highlighting their commitment to accountability and safer environments for women.

The protests were a stark reminder of the events that unfolded on August 9, 2024, when the body of a 31-year-old doctor was discovered at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. An autopsy later confirmed that she had been raped, sexually assaulted, and strangled, igniting a wave of national outrage. Thousands took to the streets last year, with a significant turnout from women, men, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, all demanding justice and an end to violence against women.

The demonstrations of 2024 were marked by powerful slogans such as “This Night is Ours” and “Women, Reclaim the Night.” Initial responses to the case, including allegations of victim-blaming and efforts to quickly cremate the body, intensified public anger. Notably, doctors across West Bengal went on strike, advocating for enhanced security measures and improved working conditions in the wake of the tragedy. In January 2025, a civic volunteer, Sanjay Roy, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, yet many, including the victim’s family, continue to call for a more thorough investigation.

Current Protests: A Resilient Call for Justice

This year’s protests saw citizens defy police orders that prohibited marches in high-security areas like Nabanna and Kalighat. Instead, alternative forms of demonstration emerged. In locations such as Pandua in Hooghly, participants organized cultural protests outside Sashibhushan High School, while Bandel also hosted a “Reclaim the Night” event, gathering local citizens and educators.

In Baharampur, residents held a candlelit procession near Textile More, while Dhupguri and Malbazar witnessed similar events demanding justice for the R.G. Kar incident. In Medinipur, large crowds participated in “Reclaim the Night,” and in Krishnanagar, Nadia, candles were lit on the road at Post Office More to honor the victim. Protests continued in Jalpaiguri, where participants rallied with fervent slogans until midnight.

In Alipurduar’s Kalchini block, a meeting was organized at Hamiltonganj Forward Nagar to discuss ongoing concerns about safety and justice. Kolkata also experienced significant protests, with demonstrators blocking sections of Diamond Harbour Road in Behala, brandishing torches as they called for accountability.

These demonstrations illustrate the persistent public sentiment surrounding the need for justice and safety for women in West Bengal. The fight ignited by the R.G. Kar tragedy remains alive and continues to resonate across communities, signaling a collective refusal to remain silent in the face of violence and injustice.