By KOLKATA, INDIA – Tens of thousands of women took to the streets of West Bengal on Wednesday night in a massive outcry against the shocking rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in Kolkata.
The protests culminated in the “Redcliff the Night” march, a demonstration that has intensified following nearly a week of public outcry sparked by the tragic events at the RG Kar Medical College last Friday.
The 31-year-old doctor had reportedly been working a grueling 36-hour shift before falling asleep in a seminar room due to the lack of a designated rest area. She was found the next morning by her colleagues, half-naked and badly beaten, suffering from extensive injuries.
Her murder has sent shockwaves through the medical community and the public, leading to widespread protests across the region. Authorities have since arrested a hospital volunteer worker believed to be connected to the crime.
In response to the call for justice, women from all walks of life flooded the streets of Kolkata and various other parts of the state in a show of solidarity on Wednesday. Despite the late hour, the women marched resolutely, their placards demanding justice for the slain doctor.
These protests, though largely peaceful, were marred by sporadic clashes with police forces. A small group of unidentified men reportedly barged into the RG Kar Hospital, where the crime took place, ransacking the emergency department in a burst of anger.
The police responded by attempting to control the unruly crowd, leading to altercations in which several police vehicles were damaged. Tear gas was deployed as officers sought to disperse the protesters, but the unrest continued to ripple through the city.
The protests have now spread beyond Kolkata, with major Indian cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune witnessing solidarity marches demanding justice and systemic changes to ensure women’s safety in hospitals and other workplaces.
The anger and frustration were palpable among the crowds, many of whom held mobile phones and torches as symbols of defiance against the widespread violence that plagues women in India.
The streets of Kolkata resonated with chants and slogans, amplified by megaphones. Young and elderly alike joined hands in solidarity, their steps resolute as they moved past universities, hospitals, and busy marketplaces.
In one particularly striking moment, protesters gathered outside the RG Kar Medical College, chanting “Justice for our sister.” Their voices echoed in unison, with the humid night air only amplifying the anger and sadness felt by many. The rally continued into the early hours of the morning as women vowed not to stop until justice was served.
The tragedy has exposed the deep-rooted issues plaguing Indian hospitals, where safety measures for female doctors and staff remain dangerously inadequate. Women’s rights groups have called for immediate reforms, including the implementation of stricter security protocols in hospitals to prevent similar atrocities in the future.
The incident has further fueled the ongoing national conversation on gender violence in India, sparking renewed calls for comprehensive reforms in law enforcement and judicial processes to protect women. The protests are expected to continue as the nation watches closely to see how the authorities respond to the demands for justice and change.
A bbc report
