Justice Demands Resound in West Bengal on Independence Eve

On the eve of Independence Day, a powerful wave of protests swept through West Bengal as citizens rallied under the banner of “We Want Justice.” The “Reclaim the Night” demonstrations, which featured torchlight processions and candlelit vigils, reignited the demand for justice following the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. This incident, first reported on August 9, 2024, continues to resonate deeply within the community, prompting widespread participation from Kolkata to various districts across the state.

Commemorating a Year of Outrage

August 9 marked a year since the discovery of the body of the 31-year-old doctor, a case that sent shockwaves throughout India. The autopsy confirmed brutal crimes, including rape, sexual assault, and strangulation, igniting an unprecedented wave of protests in August and September 2023. Thousands of demonstrators, primarily women but also men and members of the LGBTQ+ community, took to the streets demanding justice and an end to violence against women. Slogans such as “This Night is Ours” and “Women, Reclaim the Night” became rallying cries, encapsulating the raw emotion of grief and anger surrounding the case.

Public outrage was fueled by the initial handling of the case, which included allegations of victim-blaming and attempts to swiftly cremate the body. A strike by doctors across West Bengal called for enhanced security measures and improved working conditions. While Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in January 2025, many, including the victim’s family, still seek a more extensive investigation, believing a larger conspiracy may be at play.

Ongoing Calls for Accountability

This year, despite police restrictions on marches to high-security areas like Nabanna and Kalighat, protesters adapted by organizing alternative forms of demonstration. Torchlight marches and cultural gatherings replaced the traditional marches in various locations. In Pandua, Hooghly, a “Reclaim the Night” event took place outside Sashibhushan High School, blending cultural expressions with calls for justice. Similar events unfolded in Bandel, Baharampur, Dhupguri, and Malbazar, each highlighting the community’s resilience and enduring demand for accountability.

In Medinipur, a significant turnout for “Reclaim the Night” showcased the collective spirit of the citizens. Candlelight vigils in Krishnanagar, Nadia, and Jalpaiguri extended the protests late into the night, with fervent slogans echoing through the streets. Even in Kolkata, areas such as Behala witnessed demonstrators blockading sections of Diamond Harbour Road while carrying torches, emphasizing that the fight for justice and safer environments for women remains an urgent priority.

These widespread demonstrations underscore a collective determination among West Bengal’s citizens to keep the memory of the tragedy alive and push for systemic change. The “Reclaim the Night” protests serve not only as a reminder of past injustices but also as a beacon of hope for a future where safety and justice prevail for all.