Students and Public Participate in Torch Procession for R G Kar Rape-Murder Victim

A torch procession organised by the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front commemorated the R G Kar victim. Participants demanded justice while holding placards and chanting slogans, reflecting the ongoing call for accountability in this tragic case.

A torch procession and vigil took place on Friday to honour a doctor who was raped and murdered at R G Kar hospital on August 9 last year. The event, organised by the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, began at College Street near Calcutta University's main campus and ended 5 km away at Shyambazar, close to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Participants carried placards demanding justice and punishment for those involved in the crime, which had sparked nationwide protests. The air was filled with chants of "We Want Justice" as the torch rally moved forward. Many wore black headbands inscribed with "Have Not Forgotten, Will Not Forget," while some held the national flag.

Protests Across Kolkata

Numerous people lined the streets in solidarity as the procession passed by. Upon reaching Shyambazar, many participants stayed for a night-long vigil, demanding justice for the doctor who suffered the brutal attack during the night of August 8 and 9 last year. Protests and processions were also held in various parts of Kolkata, from Netajinagar in the south to Sodepur in the north.

The doctor's body was discovered in the seminar room of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024. A march to Nabanna, the state secretariat in Howrah city, has been called by the victim's parents. It is claimed that this protest will remain apolitical with participation from civil society members.

Calls for Broader Investigations

The West Bengal Junior Doctors Front has also planned a protest meeting on Saturday evening in front of RG Kar hospital. They urged the public to organise torch processions and vigils in their local areas across Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal. The victim's parents insist that more than one person must have been involved in such a heinous crime.

They are calling for anyone else involved to be identified and prosecuted by the CBI, which is investigating a possible conspiracy angle in the crime. This call for justice reflects a broader demand for accountability and thorough investigation into all aspects of this tragic incident.

With inputs from PTI