Protests for Justice in Mathabhanga Turn Violent Amidst RG Kar Incident Condemnation

The Reclaim The Night campaign in West Bengal, seeking justice for a doctor who was raped and murdered at a Kolkata hospital last month, faced violence in Mathabhanga. A protester was allegedly attacked by members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Pradyut Saha, a CPIM branch secretary and Mathabhanga municipality employee, was reportedly assaulted during a demonstration by the West Bengal Democratic Writers’ and Artistes’ Association and the Peoples Theatre Association.

The event included songs, poems, and street art to highlight violence against women. Slogans like "We Want Justice" were prominently displayed. Moksedul Islam, a CPIM district committee member, claimed TMC activists tried to disrupt the protest by threatening participants and pressuring them to remove their artwork. When Saha objected, he was allegedly beaten by ruling party workers before being rescued by other protesters.

Protest Disruptions and Allegations

CPIM district committee members have filed a police complaint regarding the incident. In response, Biswajit Rai, president of Mathabhanga Town Block TMC, denied any assault. He stated that the party had organised its own protest at Mathabhanga Chowpathi and that no violence occurred. Police have been deployed in the area to maintain order and prevent further unrest.

BJP state president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar condemned the alleged violence on X. He posted, "Trinamool is anti-democratic, Trinamool is anti-humanity! The notorious forces of Trinamool Congress suddenly attacked the peaceful citizens' protest in Mathabhanga, North Bengal. The protest program demanding justice for Tilottama was marred by unprovoked violence and threats." He added, "Pictures were forcibly removed from the street. The police stood silent like a mute spectator! Can you extinguish the fire of protest by stifling democracy using notorious forces, Honorable Chief Minister?"

Incidents in Kolkata

In Kolkata, actor Rituparna Sengupta faced hostility from protesters at Shyambazar demanding justice for the RG Kar victim. As Sengupta attempted to address the crowd and show solidarity, she was met with shouts of "Go Back." The situation escalated, leading to Sengupta being escorted away by police and her bodyguard to her vehicle.

In another incident during a solidarity rally at Garia in southern Kolkata, a youth was detained by police after allegedly misbehaving with women. The youth, reportedly intoxicated, was beaten by other protesters before being handed over to authorities.

Ushashi Paul, a woman protestor said, "No amount of coercion and threats will deter us from our fight for justice for the victim."