Kolkata Rape-Murder: CM Mamata Banerjee To Lead Protest As Bengal Gears Up For 12-Hour Bandh

Kolkata is set to witness a wave of political protests and rallies on Friday, August 16, in response to the tragic rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, leading to various organisations and political parties mobilising for justice.

Photo Credit: PTI

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) women's wing will hold a candlelight rally on August 16, marching towards West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's residence to demand her resignation over the incident.

The BJP Mahila Morcha will also lead silent candlelight marches in all district headquarters across West Bengal on Friday evening.

The march outside RG Kar Medical College will be led by National Mahila Morcha President Vanati Srinivasan, along with other prominent leaders including Rajya Sabha MP Darshan Singh, Sangeeta Yadav, Geeta Shakya, Indu Bala Goswami, and West Bengal Incharge Pooja Kapil Mishra.

Simultaneously, the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) has called for a 12-hour general strike in West Bengal on August 16, condemning the vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and demanding the arrest of those responsible for the rape and murder.

The Jadavpur University Teachers' Association has also declared a day-long cease-work on Friday to protest the vandalism and to demand justice for the victim's family.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a protest on August 17, demanding capital punishment for the accused in the case.

She has also urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has taken over the probe from the Kolkata Police, to "ensure justice within next Sunday."

In a show of solidarity, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency services starting at 6 a.m. on August 17.

The IMA stated that routine OPDs and elective surgeries will not take place during this period, although essential services will be maintained.

Protests are also planned in other cities, including a joint protest march by Resident Doctors' Associations (RDAs) in Delhi and a demonstration by the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on August 16.

The Bengali film and television industry has also joined the protests at RG Kar Medical College, adding to the nationwide outcry for justice.

The incident, which occurred on August 9, has shaken the nation and led to widespread condemnation, with many demanding swift and severe action against the perpetrators.

(With agency inputs)