Historic Kolkata Football Clubs Unite for Justice and Durand Cup Return

Kolkata's historic football clubs—Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting—united for the first time to demand justice for an RG Kar Hospital rape and murder victim. They also appealed for the Durand Cup's return to Kolkata. Protests led to a cancellation of the derby match, and fans from all three clubs came together in solidarity.

In an unprecedented move, Kolkata's most storied football clubs—Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting—joined forces to demand justice for the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder victim. The clubs also called for the Durand Cup tournament to return to Kolkata.

The decision follows the cancellation of the Durand Cup derby match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal due to security concerns amid widespread protests. Despite the match's cancellation, thousands of fans from the three clubs united in their demands, leading to police intervention and several detentions.

Club secretaries addressed a joint media conference, hoping the Durand Cup semifinals and final would proceed in Kolkata as scheduled. They urged all fans to cooperate with authorities to ensure peaceful matches and emphasized the need for swift justice for the victim.

(With inputs from agencies.)