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Massive Women-Led Protests: Thousands of women across West Bengal took to the streets at midnight as part of the "Reclaim the Night" campaign, demanding justice for the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College.
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Kolkata Turns Off Lights: As a symbolic protest, Kolkata residents, including prominent landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and Raj Bhavan, turned off their lights for an hour, showing solidarity with the victim and her family.
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Governor's Call for Action: West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to take concrete steps to ensure women's safety and restore public confidence, stating "Enough is enough."
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Violence in Mathabhanga: The protests were marred by an alleged assault on a protester in Mathabhanga by members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), though the party denies any involvement.
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Protests Spread Statewide: The movement, driven largely by social media, has spread to various towns and cities across West Bengal, reflecting a widespread demand for justice and women's safety.
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Doctors Join the Movement: Medical professionals, including both junior and senior doctors at RG Kar Medical College, joined the protests, highlighting the medical community's support for justice and safety reforms.
Women across West Bengal marched at midnight on Wednesday to demand justice for a 31-year-old trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College on August 9. As part of the "Reclaim the Night" movement, Kolkata residents turned off their lights at 9 pm, lighting candles and taking to the streets to express their outrage and support for the victim's family. Iconic landmarks, including the Victoria Memorial and Raj Bhavan, joined in by switching off their lights.
Governor's Stern Warning to State Government
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose expressed his concern over the deteriorating safety of women in the state and demanded action from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "Enough is enough," the Governor stated, urging the government to restore law and order and protect women in the state. The governor himself participated in the protest by lighting a candle at Raj Bhavan.
#WATCH | West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose lit candles at Raj Bhavan in Kolkata over RG Kar Medical College & Hospital rape-murder incident.
(Source: Rajbhawan) pic.twitter.com/NJzUe97lhG— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2024
Clashes Reported Amid Protests in Mathabhanga
The protests took a violent turn in Mathabhanga town when a protester was allegedly assaulted by members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The TMC, however, denied the allegation, stating that their party organised a separate, peaceful protest at Mathabhanga Chowpathi.
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Social Media Fuels the Movement
The 'Reclaim the Night' campaign, driven by social media, saw its second major gathering since a similar protest on August 14. The movement rapidly spread from Kolkata to towns such as Berhampore, Chinsurah, Santiniketan, Krishnanagar, Bardhaman, Siliguri, Barasat, Barrackpore, Rajarhat-Newtown, Cooch Behar, and Jalpaiguri, with women demanding justice and safety.
Doctors and Citizens Unite at RG Kar Medical College
Doctors from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where the crime occurred, joined in solidarity with the victim's family and protesters, emphasizing the need for a safer environment for women. Both junior and senior doctors protested at the hospital, turning it into a center of resistance.
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A Growing Call for Justice
From large cities to small towns, the rallying cry of "We want justice" echoed across West Bengal. The powerful protests underscore the demand for swift justice in the RG Kar Hospital case and a broader call for women's safety and security in the state.
Inputs by Agencies
Image Source: Multiple Agencies
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