Bengal Lights Off for Reclaim the Night Protest

Reclaim the Night Protest in Kolkata: Thousands March Demanding Justice for Trainee Doctor

Women across West Bengal took to the streets on Wednesday night as part of the ‘Reclaim the Night’ protest, demanding justice for a raped and murdered trainee doctor. The primary long-tail keyword, “Reclaim the Night protest Kolkata,” captures the essence of this powerful movement, reflecting the collective anguish and determination of the people.

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Thousands marched at midnight, holding candles and national flags, in a protest that originated from social media but quickly spread throughout the state. The streets of Kolkata echoed with chants of “We want justice,” a cry that resonated from all walks of life, uniting students, professionals, and homemakers. The protest was organized as a continuation of the first ‘Reclaim the Night’ march, which took place on August 14.

Among the protestors were the parents of the 31-year-old trainee doctor who was brutally raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The grieving parents joined doctors and other demonstrators, amplifying the call for justice. Kolkata Governor CV Ananda Bose expressed his solidarity with the movement by switching off the lights of the Raj Bhavan and lighting a candle, sending a powerful message of support.

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Residents of Kolkata joined in by turning off their lights for an hour, from 9 PM to 10 PM, in a symbolic gesture of unity with the protesters. This mass participation was especially prominent at key locations such as Biswa Bangla Gate in New Town, Sealdah Station, and various other prominent points across the city. Even pavement dwellers joined the march, with women blowing conch shells as a sign of resilience.

The protest extended beyond Kolkata, reaching other major locations across the state, including Berhampore, Chinsurah, Santiniketan, Krishnanagar, Bardhaman, Siliguri, Barasat, Barrackpore, Rajarhat-Newtown, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri. Notably, these marches were devoid of any political party flags, emphasizing the movement’s non-partisan stance.

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Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, there were reports of violence in Mathabhanga town where a protester was allegedly attacked by members of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Incidents included an assault on a CPI(M) leader and a Mathabhanga municipality employee.

In Delhi, similar candle protests were held by doctors at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and AIIMS, reflecting the national outcry for better safety and justice for women.

Governor CV Ananda Bose called on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to take decisive action to address the public’s concerns over the handling of the RG Kar Hospital case. He emphasized the need for stringent measures to protect women and maintain law and order across the state.

In a parallel development, the family of the murdered doctor accused Kolkata Police of attempting to cover up the case by hurriedly cremating her body and allegedly offering them a bribe. These allegations have further fueled public anger and intensified the demands for accountability.

Responding to the ongoing protests, the Union Health Ministry urged state governments to submit action-taken reports on the immediate and long-term security measures being implemented in medical institutions for doctors and healthcare workers. This directive highlights the broader implications of the incident, reinforcing the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure the safety of medical professionals.

The ‘Reclaim the Night’ movement continues to gain momentum, drawing attention to the urgent need for justice and accountability in cases of violence against women. The lights may be turned off, but the resolve of the people of Bengal to fight for a safer society shines brighter than ever.

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