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A month has passed since the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata shocked the nation. Yet, public outrage has only grown, with protests intensifying across India and in multiple countries, demanding swift justice for the victim and severe punishment for the accused.
The Supreme Court is hearing the case today. Earlier the Centre had filed an application in the apex court alleging “unpardonable” non-cooperation by the West Bengal government.
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Named ‘Abhaya’ (one who fears nothing) by the protestors, the young doctor’s body was discovered at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The brutality of the crime has drawn parallels to the infamous ‘Nirbhaya’ gang-rape and murder case of 2012, which spurred nationwide protests and led to legal reforms aimed at curbing sexual violence. Despite the changes, women in India continue to face horrific crimes, activists argue.
In the Kolkata case, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested on August 10 and initially confessed to the crime. However, Roy later retracted his confession, claiming he was innocent and had been framed. The investigation, now under the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was ordered by the Calcutta High Court to ensure a thorough and impartial probe. Roy remains in Kolkata’s Presidency Central Jail as the investigation progresses.
From boats to graffiti, the cry for justice grows
Protesters from all walks of life — students, doctors, political leaders, artists, gig workers and even rickshaw pullers — have united to demand justice. In a recent protest, women took to boats in the waters of the Sundarbans, highlighting their calls for justice. Agnimitra Paul, West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary and Member of the Legislative Assembly, shared visuals of the protest on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, and criticised the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government for failing to address the concerns of women.
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BJP was the first to stand with the people at RG Kar Hospital, leading the charge for justice for Abhaya. From day one, we’ve been at the forefront, overwhelmed by how every sector of society—students, doctors, and the common man—has joined us in this fight. The unity and demand… pic.twitter.com/TZCXCdv8UI
— Agnimitra Paul BJP (@paulagnimitra1) September 9, 2024
“When will the voices of our mothers and sisters be heard? We will not stop until justice prevails!” Paul wrote on X.
The brave women of Sundarbans have taken their fight to the waters, protesting on boats for justice under the banner of #Abhaya! ???????? Their determination in the face of government inaction is inspiring. These courageous souls are risking their lives, demanding protection and… pic.twitter.com/XMU10LjgC6
— Agnimitra Paul BJP (@paulagnimitra1) September 8, 2024
Meanwhile, protests erupted at key locations in Kolkata, including Gariahat Road, where locals demonstrated against the RG Kar incident.
Yesterday at Gariahat, multiple Kolkata citizens joined in & demonstrated a large scale protest against the RG Kar incident. pic.twitter.com/SXAntQOK8x
— Sudhanidhi Bandyopadhyay (@SudhanidhiB) September 8, 2024
Fans of rival football clubs East Bengal and Mohun Bagan joined forces in August to show solidarity with the victim’s family.
Mohun Bagan and East Bengal fans unite to demand justice in the RG Kar medical incident. Fearing such protests, slogans, and banners, the administration has canceled the Sunday derby. pic.twitter.com/HwjeB95pGA
— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) August 18, 2024
On September 8, the victim’s mother, who has been leading the justice charge, expressed gratitude to the protesting medical community. “I had only one child, but now all the protesting medics are my children,” she said.
Global protests for justice
The calls for justice have resonated far beyond India’s borders. According to a Reuters report, thousands of Indian community members staged protests in over 130 cities across 25 countries on Sunday. The demonstrations began in Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and Singapore, before spreading across Europe and the United States, where over 60 protests were planned.
In Stockholm, Sweden, women clad in black gathered at Sergels Torg Square, singing Bengali songs and holding signs that demanded accountability for the crime and better protection for women in India.
Doctors and activists seek governor’s intervention
On September 7, the West Bengal Service Doctors Forum led a rally from Sealdah station to Raj Bhavan, demanding the intervention of West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose. Protesters expressed frustration over the perceived lack of progress in the investigation.
“So many days have passed, but there seems to be little progress in the investigation into the gruesome incident,” said Seema Das, a nurse who participated in the rally.
Although prohibitory orders prevented the protest from reaching Raj Bhavan, a five-member delegation was allowed to submit a memorandum to the Governor’s office. The Governor was not present, but his office accepted the delegation’s demands, according to reports from news agency PTI.
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