Tens of thousands of women in West Bengal took to the streets on Wednesday night in mass protests following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a Kolkata hospital. The 31-year-old was found dead last Friday after falling asleep in a seminar room following a grueling 36-hour shift at RG Kar Medical College. Her half-naked body, bearing severe injuries, was discovered by colleagues the next morning. A hospital volunteer worker has since been arrested in connection with the crime.
The “Reclaim the Night” march, which saw women from all walks of life rally across Kolkata and other cities, was a powerful response to the killing, demanding justice and highlighting the persistent safety concerns faced by women. Protesters, illuminated by candlelight and mobile phone flashes, marched resolutely in the rain, holding placards and chanting for justice. Men also joined the march, standing in solidarity with the women.
While the protests were largely peaceful, tensions flared when a group of unidentified men stormed the hospital, leading to clashes with police. Tear gas was deployed to disperse the crowd, and several police vehicles were damaged.
In a poignant moment, as midnight struck and India marked its 77th Independence Day, the protesters spontaneously broke into the national anthem, followed by conch shell blasts—a symbol of strength and resilience.
Participants expressed a mix of determination and frustration. One woman marching with her teenage daughter said, “Let her see whether a mass protest can set things right. Let her become aware of her rights.” Another lamented, “Women have no respect in this country. When do we get our independence?”
The case has sparked widespread anger, with many criticizing the authorities for negligence and accusing them of attempting a cover-up. The investigation has now been transferred to the federal Central Bureau of Investigation.
The Kolkata march was organized meticulously, with a clear advisory welcoming women and marginalized gender identities, while requesting that no political flags be present. The scale and intensity of the protest have drawn comparisons to similar movements around the world, with many hoping that it becomes a turning point in the fight for women’s safety and rights in India.
