Women March for Justice in Kolkata

Tens of thousands of women took to the streets of Kolkata on Wednesday night, joining a powerful demonstration in response to the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The victim, just 31 years old, was found dead after working a grueling 36-hour shift and falling asleep in a seminar room.

The Reclaim the Night march brought together women from all walks of life, proudly marching through the rain as they raised their voices for justice. Holding placards and mobile phones to light the way, many chanted, ‘We want justice.’ Some carried flags as they called for an end to violence against women.

While the majority of the protests remained peaceful, a small group of men clashed with police at the medical college, leading to some property damage. Authorities had to use tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Reports of the young doctor’s brutal murder have triggered outrage across the country, sparking similar solidarity marches in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. In Kolkata, women were joined by men and children, all unified in their demand for change.

At the stroke of midnight, marking India‘s 77th Independence Day, protestors broke out into a rendition of the national anthem, showcasing their unity and determination even against the backdrop of rain.

A marcher named Sanchari Mukherjee expressed the sentiment of many, noting the diverse crowd that came together, from the elderly to young families. She felt the power of the gathering, which seemed to wake up the entire city.

The protests have also highlighted deeper issues surrounding women’s safety and the treatment of medical professionals in India. Following the investigation into the doctor’s death, calls for a new Central Protection Act to safeguard healthcare workers have become more urgent.

As anger continues to build, many are questioning the response of local authorities and demanding accountability for failures that led to this tragic event. The government and medical institutions are now under pressure to ensure such violence does not happen again.