Bengal Women Demand Justice with Midnight Protests for Slain Kolkata Doctor

Thousands of women from diverse backgrounds 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, initiated the protests at 11:55 pm, coinciding with Independence Day celebrations. These demonstrations spread across key areas in both small towns and major cities, including several landmarks in Kolkata.

However, some protests turned violent. At RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, outsiders forcibly entered the premises. The hospital, where the postgraduate trainee's body was discovered on August 9, was reportedly vandalised by unidentified youths who damaged furniture and attacked media personnel. In Howrah district's Mandirtala, protestors seized control of a stage set up by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for its ‘Freedom at Midnight’ celebrations, turning it into a platform for their demands.

Protests Spread Across Bengal

The movement has expanded to various towns and districts across Bengal over the past few days. Initial gatherings were planned for College Street, Academy of Fine Arts, and Jadavpur 8B Bus Stand in Kolkata. In New Town's Biswa Bangla Gate, around 8,000 people carrying candles and poignant posters created a sea of light and determination. Similar scenes unfolded in Sreerampore, Chunchura, Santiniketan, Krishnanagar, Bardhaman, Siliguri, Barasat, Barrackpore, Rajarhat-Newtown, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri.

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

Voices of Protest

Rimjhim Sinha, the movement's initiator, described it as a new freedom struggle for women. This sentiment was symbolised by a viral poster of a red hand holding a crescent moon. Lilly Banerjee from Patuli expressed deep concern for her daughter's safety and disbelief at participating in such a protest on Independence Day's eve. "I 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. "It's shocking that we are still facing these issues. We need assurance that such violence will not happen again," she said. Men also joined the protests across various locations in solidarity with women, underscoring the widespread call for change and justice.

As night fell, streets buzzed with chants of "We Want Justice," echoing 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; however, flags from marginalised communities like LGBTQ+ groups were proudly displayed.

The spirit of protest was palpable throughout Kolkata. Crowds gathered from Jadavpur 8B Bus Stand to College Square and from Naktala Nabapally to New Town Biswa Bangla Gate. Other notable gathering points included Behala Sakher Bazar to Shyambazar Five Point crossing and Academy of Fine Arts to Nagerbazar.

The protests were marked by both unity and determination as thousands marched together under candlelight vigils and poignant posters demanding justice for the slain doctor. The movement continues to grow as more people join in solidarity against violence towards women.