In response to the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in Kolkata, tens of thousands of women across West Bengal took to the streets in protest. The 31-year-old doctor had fallen asleep in a seminar room after a 36-hour shift due to the lack of a proper rest area. Her body was discovered by colleagues the following morning, partially unclothed and showing signs of severe injuries.
The protests, known as the “Reclaim the Night” march, were led by women demanding justice for the victim. Participants, who came from various backgrounds, marched through Kolkata and other parts of the state, holding signs and chanting for justice. While the protests were mostly peaceful, there were clashes between the police and unidentified men who vandalized the emergency department at RG Kar Hospital, where the crime occurred. The police used tear gas to control the situation.
Similar protests took place in other cities across India, including Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune. This large-scale mobilization highlights the deep anger and resolve among women to confront and address crimes against women, with hopes for justice and meaningful change.
References:
BBC: Kolkata: Massive night protests after doctor’s rape and murder
The Telegraph: Trainee doctor’s rape and murder sparks mass protest in India
Al Jazeera: What happened in the Kolkata rape case that triggered doctors’ protests
