Third ‘Reclaim the Night’ Protest Set for September 8 in West Bengal Over Kolkata Doctor’s Rape and Murder

The third edition of the ‘Reclaim the Night’ protest will take place in West Bengal on September 8, in response to the recent rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata. This demonstration marks one month since the horrific crime that has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice.

Thousands of women across West Bengal are gearing up to join the march, which will see participants in both small towns and major cities rallying under the banner of “We want justice.” The previous ‘Reclaim the Night’ march on September 4, the first since August 14, saw significant turnout and widespread participation, with demonstrations occurring at multiple locations throughout the state.

Rimjhim Sinha, a social activist and campaign initiator, told PTI, “Initially, we planned for smaller night gatherings at a few locations, but the response turned into a massive protest. People across the city and state came out to demand a safer environment for women, a demand that successive governments have failed to meet.”

Sinha noted that the movement has received considerable support through calls and messages, reflecting a broad desire for change. “This is a mass uprising,” Sinha emphasized. “Protesters are calling for a safe environment for women, something that has been neglected by both state and central governments.”

While the previous protests were apolitical, with demonstrators focusing on the national flag, the ruling Trinamool Congress dismissed the protests as opposition-driven unrest. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clarified that while its leaders supported the cause individually, the party itself was not officially involved in the marches.

The tragic death of the postgraduate doctor, whose body was discovered in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, has led to significant backlash. Her injuries indicated signs of rape, and a civic volunteer was arrested the following day. In response, doctors and medical students nationwide went on strike, demanding enhanced safety measures for women in the workplace. Protesters in West Bengal have also criticized the state administration for its handling of the investigation.

Following criticism of the Kolkata Police’s investigation by the Calcutta High Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the case to ensure a more thorough investigation.