Women in Kolkata and across West Bengal are set to stage a significant protest late tomorrow night in response to the horrific rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The protest, scheduled to start at 11:55 pm, has been titled, “For women’s independence on the midnight of independence,” symbolizing a call for safety and justice.
The movement has gained momentum on social media, with posters and protest locations being widely shared. New spots are continually being added as more people, including those from state suburbs, pledge to join the demonstration. Men have also expressed their solidarity and will participate in large numbers. Several well-known personalities, such as actors Swastika Mukherjee and Churni Ganguly, along with filmmaker Pratim D Gupta, have urged the public to gather at the most convenient protest points.
The brutal incident has left Kolkata in shock. The victim, a doctor on night duty, was found dead on Friday morning in a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College. Her body bore severe injuries, including on her eyes, face, neck, limbs, and private parts. Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer known to frequent the hospital, has been taken into custody in connection with the crime.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has given Kolkata police until Sunday to conclude the investigation. She assured that if the victim’s family requests it, the state government will recommend a CBI probe. “The state government has nothing to hide,” she stated.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal emphasized that authorities are questioning everyone who was near the scene at the time of the crime. “We are confident that if there are other culprits, they will be arrested within the next four to five days,” he said.
The midnight protest is expected to draw significant attention as people demand justice for the young doctor and call for greater safety for women in the state.
