Thousands of Women March in ‘Reclaim the Night’ Protests
In a powerful display of solidarity, tens of thousands of women marched through the streets of West Bengal on Wednesday night to protest the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata.The horrific crime at RG Kar Medical College last Friday sparked the “Reclaim the Night” protests. Her colleagues found the victim the next morning, bearing extensive injuries, after she fell asleep in a seminar room following a grueling 36-hour shift. Police have arrested a hospital volunteer in connection with the crime.
Protests Spread Across Cities Amid Clashes
Similar demonstrations extended beyond Kolkata to other major Indian cities, including Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune. In Kolkata, women from all walks of life took to the streets despite the rain, holding placards, candles, and torches as they marched through the city. Although the protests were largely peaceful, clashes erupted between the police and unidentified men who stormed the RG Kar Hospital, ransacking the emergency department. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, and the chaos led to damage to some police vehicles.
A Night of Unity and Determination
As the protests continued into the night, participants united in their demand for justice. In Kolkata, women marched resolutely, their faces illuminated by candlelight and mobile phones. Men, both young and elderly, joined them, chanting “we want justice” and blowing conch shells, a symbol of auspiciousness in India. At the stroke of midnight, as the nation marked 77 years of independence, the protestors spontaneously sang the national anthem, undeterred by the rain. The sheer scale of the protest was unprecedented, with many remarking on the massive turnout.
Public Outcry Over Authorities’ Handling of the Case
Widespread anger over how local authorities handled the case has fueled the protests. The doctor’s murder has led to accusations of negligence and a possible cover-up. Following public outcry, authorities transferred the case, initially investigated by local police, to the federal Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Many protesters expressed frustration that, despite the progress India has made, women still face such dangers in 2024. The event has become a symbol of the ongoing fight for women’s rights and safety in India.
Organised Resistance and Inclusive Participation
Despite limited resources, the Reclaim the Night march was meticulously organised. The organisers issued an advisory welcoming women and individuals from marginalised sexual and gender identities, while also stating that men were welcome as allies and observers. Notably, the advisory discouraged political involvement, requesting that no party flags be brought to the protest. This march, echoing smaller protests in other cities, stands as one of the largest of its kind in India, furthering the movement’s goal of asserting the right to walk freely without fear.
A Historic Moment in the Fight for Justice
The Kolkata march, inspired by previous Reclaim the Night protests worldwide, marks a historic moment in India’s fight for gender equality. Participants hope that this unprecedented show of unity and determination will wake up the authorities and lead to real change. “We seized the night. We’ve never seen anything like this in the city,” said Chaitali Sen, a protester. “This is unprecedented. I hope it wakes up the authorities.”
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