Midnight Protests Sweep Bengal as Women Demand Justice for Slain Kolkata Doctor

Thousands of women took to the streets across West Bengal at midnight on Wednesday, protesting the brutal rape and murder of a doctor on duty at a Kolkata hospital last week. The Reclaim the Night campaign, which gained traction through social media, spurred these protests. They began at 11:55 pm, coinciding with Independence Day celebrations, and spread across key areas in both small towns and big cities, including several landmarks in Kolkata.

Protests Across West Bengal

The streets were filled with chants of "We Want Justice," reflecting the collective anger and sorrow of women from all walks of life - students, professionals, and homemakers - marching together to demand accountability and an end to violence against women. Political party flags were banned, but flags from marginalised communities, such as LGBTQ+ groups, were proudly displayed.

In Kolkata, the spirit of the protest was palpable. At Biswa Bangla Gate in New Town, around 8,000 people carrying candles and holding poignant posters created a sea of light and determination. Crowds gathered from Jadavpur 8B Bus Stand to College Square, from Naktala Nabapally to New Town Biswa Bangla Gate, from Behala Sakher Bazar to Shyambazar Five Point crossing, from Academy of Fine Arts to Nagerbazar, among others.

Solidarity and Support

In Diamond Harbour, thousands of women sang Tagore's "Aguner Parashmani," holding mobile torches high. Their voices blended in a poignant call for justice. At Sealdah station, pavement dwellers joined the protest unexpectedly but hearteningly. Some women blew conch shells as a powerful symbol of resistance.

Rimjhim Sinha, the movement's initiator, described the event as a new freedom struggle for women. This sentiment was symbolised by a viral poster of a red hand holding a crescent moon. Over the last few days, the movement has spread to various towns and districts across Bengal. Initial gatherings were planned for College Street, Academy of Fine Arts, and Jadavpur 8B Bus Stand in Kolkata.

Voices of Concern

Lilly Banerjee, an elderly woman from Patuli, expressed her deep concern for her daughter's safety. She said she couldn't sleep after hearing about the horrific attack on the young medic. "My daughter is about the same age and works in Pune. I worry for her safety every day," she said with trembling emotion.

Actor Rituparna Sengupta voiced her support for the movement in a video message. She lamented the recurrence of such violent incidents: "It's shocking that we are still facing these issues. We need assurance that such violence will not happen again," she said.

Men Join Protests

In a show of solidarity, men also joined the protests across various locations. They stood shoulder to shoulder with women, underscoring the widespread call for change and justice. Similar scenes unfolded in Sreerampore, Chunchura, Santiniketan, Krishnanagar, Bardhaman, Siliguri, Barasat, Barrackpore, Rajarhat-Newtown, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri.

The movement has gained significant momentum over recent days. The initial gatherings planned for College Street and other key locations have seen large turnouts. The protests have spread to various towns and districts across Bengal.

The Reclaim the Night campaign has united people from different backgrounds in their demand for justice and an end to violence against women. The collective voice calling for change continues to grow louder across West Bengal.