Kolkata Unites in Rally for Swift Justice in Medic's Rape-Murder

Thousands, including film director Aparna Sen and other Bengali film industry figures, joined a massive rally in Kolkata on Sunday. They demanded justice for a doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar hospital last month. The rally ended with participants squatting at the busy Esplanade area, vowing to stay until 4 am on Monday to press the government for a swift investigation and arrest of the guilty.

Actor Debalina Mukherjee stated, "Every passing day, the movement for justice will grow fiercer until all those responsible for the gruesome incident at R G Kar are punished. We understand that there is a legal process through the courts and the CBI, but we will wait until that process is complete." The protest continued well past midnight with revolutionary songs like "Karar Oi Louho Kopat" and "We Shall Overcome" filling the air.

Rallies Across Kolkata

In addition to the Mahamichhil, two other rallies took place elsewhere in the city. One was organised by alumni of Ramakrishna Mission-run educational institutions, while another involved students and past pupils from a well-known convent school. Both echoed the demand for justice for the medic. In south Kolkata, alumni of Ramakrishna Mission schools marched from Golpark to Rabindra Sadan Exide Crossing carrying banners with messages demanding a fair investigation.

At another rally, around 300 alumni, current students, and guardians from St. John's Diocesan Girls Higher Secondary School walked from Minto Park to their school compound. They formed a human chain near Exide Crossing along A J C Bose Road and displayed a symbolic image of a spine with the slogan "Our spines are not up for sale."

Demands for Justice

The mega rally kicked off at College Square on Sunday afternoon. Aparna Sen, along with fellow artistes such as Swastika Mukherjee, Sudipta Chakraborty, Chaiti Ghosal, Sohini Sarkar, and others, marched along Central Avenue demanding justice for the doctor. The rallyists insisted that a representative from the ruling party or state administration meet them to address their call for a swift investigation and arrest of those involved.

Actor Swastika Mukherjee added, "We know the CBI is investigating the case, but reports suggest there might be attempts to suppress certain details following the doctor's death. We need answers." She continued, "We will remain here till 4 am. The administration might think that the movement will lose momentum with the upcoming festive season, but it will resume and grow larger after the Puja."

Earlier at the start of the rally, Aparna Sen told reporters, "We are walking on the road together, demanding justice. If needed, I will hit the road again. Common people have the right to demand answers and know the truth." A junior doctors forum, which has been protesting since the R G Kar incident, also joined the rally.

Protests Continue

Sunday night's protest was reminiscent of the Women Reclaim The Night event held on August 14 midnight to demand justice for the postgraduate trainee doctor. As protests continued past midnight, participants vowed to stay until their demands were met. The hospital administration's initial attempt to dismiss the death as a suicide combined with only one arrest has compelled people to take to the streets.

Director Birsa Dasgupta told reporters they had sent a mail to the administration requesting someone come and hold talks with them. He said they would remain there until 4 am. Mukherjee added that small business owners might be affected by this movement but assured they were supportive.

The rallyists demanded swift action from authorities as many days had passed since August 9 without further updates from investigators. The public's unity in demanding justice reflects widespread frustration over perceived delays in addressing this heinous crime.

The ongoing protests highlight a collective call for transparency and accountability in handling such cases. Participants expressed determination to continue their efforts until justice is served.