The spirit of “We Want Justice” once again echoed across West Bengal on the eve of Independence Day, as citizens, undeterred by police restrictions, took to the streets in widespread “Reclaim the Night” protests. These demonstrations, marked by torchlight processions and candlelit vigils, served as a powerful reminder of the year-old demand for justice following the horrific rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital.

From Kolkata to the districts, the unified voice for accountability resonated, transcending geographical boundaries from North Bengal to South Bengal. Durgapur, Alipurduar, Dhupguri, Malbazar, Medinipur, Krishnanagar, Pandua, Baharampur, and Jalpaiguri all witnessed significant public participation in the “Reclaim the Night” initiatives.

A Year On: The Echoes of Last Year’s Outcry

The events of August 9, 2024, when the body of a 31-year-old doctor was discovered in a seminar hall at R.G. Kar Medical College, had sent shockwaves across the state and the nation. The subsequent autopsy confirming rape, sexual assault, and strangulation sparked an unprecedented wave of “Reclaim the Night” protests in August and September of last year. Thousands, predominantly women but also men and LGBTQ+ individuals, poured onto the streets, demanding justice and an end to violence against women.

Last year’s protests were characterized by a raw outpouring of grief and anger. Slogans like “This Night is Ours” and “Women, Reclaim the Night” became rallying cries. The initial handling of the case, including allegations of victim-blaming and attempts at a swift cremation, further fueled public fury. Doctors across West Bengal had gone on strike, pressing for enhanced security measures and improved working conditions. While a civic volunteer, Sanjay Roy, was later convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in January 2025, many, including the victim’s family, continue to believe in a larger conspiracy and demand a more comprehensive investigation.

Current Protests: A Continued Call for Accountability

This year, despite police denying permission for planned marches to high-security zones like Nabanna and Kalighat, alternative forms of protest emerged. In various locations, torchlight marches and cultural resistance gatherings were organized.

In Hooghly’s Pandua, a “Reclaim the Night” program was held outside the Sashibhushan High School, featuring a cultural protest. Bandel also saw a “Reclaim the Night” event organized by civil society, drawing in common citizens and local teachers. Baharampur observed a similar demonstration near the Textile More, alongside a candlelit procession. Dhupguri and Malbazar, too, held “Reclaim the Night” events on the eve of Independence Day, demanding justice for the R.G. Kar incident.

Similar scenes unfolded in Medinipur, where a large number of people took to the streets for “Reclaim the Night.” In Krishnanagar, Nadia, residents lit candles on the road at Post Office More to pay their respects. Jalpaiguri also held “Reclaim the Night” on the night before Independence Day, continuing until midnight, with fervent slogans being raised. In Alipurduar’s Kalchini block, a protest meeting was organized at Hamiltonganj Forward Nagar. Even in Kolkata, various parts of the city witnessed protests demanding justice, with a section of Diamond Harbour Road in Behala’s 14 number area being blockaded by protestors carrying torches.

These widespread demonstrations highlight the enduring public sentiment and the continued demand for justice and safer environments for women, signaling that for many, the fight ignited by the R.G. Kar tragedy is far from over.

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