“Reclaim the Night” Protests Surge in West Bengal Ahead of Independence Day

The demand for justice reverberated throughout West Bengal on the eve of Independence Day as citizens engaged in “Reclaim the Night” protests. Undeterred by police restrictions, participants organized torchlight marches and candlelit vigils, reiterating their call for accountability following the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. The protests spanned from Kolkata to various districts, including Durgapur, Alipurduar, Dhupguri, and Malbazar, showcasing a unified response to a year-old tragedy.

Remembering a Tragedy that Shocked a Nation

On August 9, 2024, the discovery of a 31-year-old doctor’s body in a seminar hall at R.G. Kar Medical College sent shockwaves across West Bengal and beyond. An autopsy later confirmed that she had been raped, sexually assaulted, and strangled, prompting an unprecedented wave of protests in August and September of the same year. Thousands of demonstrators, primarily women, alongside men and LGBTQ+ allies, took to the streets demanding justice and an end to violence against women.

Last year’s protests were marked by deep grief and outrage. Slogans such as “This Night is Ours” and “Women, Reclaim the Night” became rallying cries as the public criticized the handling of the case. Allegations of victim-blaming and attempts to hastily cremate the body further fueled public anger. In response, healthcare professionals across West Bengal staged strikes, advocating for improved security measures and working conditions. While a civic volunteer named Sanjay Roy was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in January 2025, many, including the victim’s family, continue to demand a more thorough investigation, suspecting a larger conspiracy.

Current Protests: A Renewed Call for Justice

This year, despite police denying permission for marches to high-security zones like Nabanna and Kalighat, activists adapted their tactics. Alternative protest forms included torchlight marches and cultural gatherings across various locations. In Pandua, a “Reclaim the Night” program occurred outside Sashibhushan High School, featuring performances that highlighted the cause. Similarly, Bandel hosted an event organized by civil society, attracting local citizens and educators.

In Baharampur, participants gathered near Textile More for a candlelit procession, while Dhupguri and Malbazar also held their own events in solidarity with the R.G. Kar incident. Medinipur witnessed a significant turnout for the protests, and in Krishnanagar, residents lit candles along the road at Post Office More in remembrance. Jalpaiguri continued the “Reclaim the Night” initiative late into the night, with passionate slogans echoing through the streets.

In Alipurduar’s Kalchini block, a protest meeting took place at Hamiltonganj Forward Nagar. Kolkata saw various areas impacted by protests, including a blockade on Diamond Harbour Road in Behala’s 14 number area, where demonstrators carried torches and demanded justice.

The widespread participation in these protests underscores the persistent public sentiment regarding women’s safety and accountability in the justice system. The tragedy at R.G. Kar Medical College has ignited a movement that many believe is far from over, as the quest for justice continues to resonate with the people of West Bengal.