Protest Planned for October 14 Over Durgapur Rape Case

Civil society group Abhaya Manch is organizing a protest on October 14 to address the recent alleged gang rape of a junior doctor in Durgapur, West Bengal. The event, titled “Reclaim the Night Again,” is set to begin at 20:00 near the Jadavpur 8B Bus Stand and aims to draw hundreds of participants from diverse backgrounds, particularly women.

The protest follows the shocking incident that occurred on the night of October 10, when a 23-year-old second-year MBBS student was reportedly assaulted near her medical college. According to police reports, the survivor, who is originally from Odisha, was attacked by three men while returning from dinner with a friend. The assailants allegedly stole her phone, dragged her into a wooded area, and raped her, demanding money to return her belongings.

The Women-Trans-Queer United wing of Abhaya Manch expressed outrage over the ongoing violence against women, emphasizing that this protest is a continuation of their fight for justice. “On August 8, we took to the streets demanding justice for our brutally murdered sister from R G Kar Medical College. But nothing has changed; predators continue to prey on women, including doctors, either within college campuses or nearby,” stated Satabdi Das, a spokesperson for the platform.

Calls for Justice and Safety

Das highlighted the need for immediate action, urging that “to reclaim our space and demand safety in both home and world, there is an imperative need to ‘Reclaim the Night Again.’ This is critical even during the festive season, as the administration has failed us.” She also criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her previous comments advising female students against going out late at night, framing them as a perpetuation of patriarchal norms.

“Our gathering will protest against such misogynistic thinking where women are instructed to stay indoors after dark. Why can’t the police step up surveillance?” Das questioned, reflecting the sentiments of many who feel unsafe in their communities.

The Durgapur case has sparked widespread condemnation and concern. Following the incident, the West Bengal Police arrested two additional suspects, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to five. The chief minister previously stated, “I am shocked to see the incident, but private medical colleges also have to take care of their students, especially the girl child. They should not be allowed to go outside at night.”

A History of Protests

The protest on October 14 is not an isolated event. Last year, following a similar incident at R G Kar Medical College, thousands took to the streets demanding justice, with a significant number of participants being women. Protests occurred in various locations, emphasizing a collective demand for justice and safety.

In response to the Durgapur incident, other groups, including the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, have organized protests in the Paschim Bardhaman district. Additionally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has conducted an indefinite sit-in demonstration in front of the City Centre commercial hub in Durgapur since October 11.

As the protest date approaches, the community is rallying together, determined to make their voices heard and advocate for change in a society where women increasingly feel threatened. The call for “exemplary punishment” for the perpetrators of the Durgapur case resonates deeply, highlighting the urgent need for action against violence directed at women and marginalized communities.