Demonstrators Advocate for Justice in the RG Kar Case at the West Bengal Secretariat 'Nabanna' After One Year
In the heart of Kolkata on August 9, 2025, thousands of demonstrators, including doctors, citizens, and political party workers, gathered to mark the one-year anniversary of the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor at RG Kar Hospital. The protest, aimed at demanding justice and pushing for a thorough investigation, saw numerous marches and public gatherings across the city.
Amidst the protests, the police issued constant alerts over loudspeakers, urging demonstrators to abide by the Calcutta High Court order and maintain law and order. However, tensions rose as protestors, carrying the Tricolour, posters, and banners demanding justice for the victim and the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, determinedly marched towards Nabanna, the state secretariat.
The state police, in an effort to halt the progress of the agitators, deployed massive forces, including Rapid Action Force personnel and water cannons at strategic points. Barricades were erected at various locations, causing a standoff between the police and the protesters. Despite this, some demonstrators managed to breach the barricades, using blunt instruments to break through iron walls and create openings for a cross-over.
Sadly, during these confrontations, the victim's mother sustained a head injury from police baton use. Her family has since filed a police complaint, accusing the police of assault during the protest. The Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, claimed that more than 100 protestors, including himself and other BJP leaders, were injured in police action.
The protest, which triggered nationwide outrage last year, has continued to spark public mobilizations. The accused was sentenced to life imprisonment, but the family has alleged incomplete investigations, prompting further legal petitions and meetings with central authorities.
In solidarity with the cause, Adhikari, accompanied by a section of BJP MLAs, joined the victim's parents at Dorina Crossing, sans BJP's banners, flags, and other party insignia. He stated that the Mamata Banerjee administration is fearing the massive crowd that has gathered in protest.
In addition to the main protest, the "Reclaim the Night" movement held vigils and protests across Kolkata at locations such as Jadavpur and Rabindra Sadan. These gatherings featured overnight demonstrations with songs and speeches, aimed at reclaiming public spaces and protesting against gender-based violence. Participation included women, trans, and queer communities.
This tense anniversary protest, marked by significant police-public confrontation, underscores the ongoing demands for justice and safety reforms. The incident has left a deep impact on the city, with the call for justice for the RG Kar victim echoing loudly in the streets of Kolkata.
[1] The Telegraph India: "RG Kar hospital rape: Family files police complaint over alleged assault during protest" [2] The Indian Express: "Reclaim the Night: Kolkata protests against gender-based violence" [3] The Hindu: "RG Kar hospital rape: Family demands CBI probe" [4] The Times of India: "RG Kar hospital rape victim's mother injured in police action during protest"
- The ongoing demands for justice in the RG Kar hospital rape case sparked further political discussions, with the Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, accusing the police of assault during the protest, stating that more than 100 protesters were injured, as reported by The Telegraph India.
- The distressing anniversary of the RG Kar hospital rape incident has not only led to increased general-news coverage but also mobilized the crime-and-justice sectors, as demonstrated by the "Reclaim the Night" movement's protests against gender-based violence, noted in The Indian Express.
