Midnight Candle March in Shimla Demands Justice for Kolkata Doctor

A diverse group in Shimla organized a midnight candle march to protest the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. The event highlighted women's safety concerns and called for capital punishment for the culprits. It emphasized reclaiming public spaces for women and changing societal mindsets.

A midnight candle march was organized late Monday night at Shimla's Ridge in Himachal Pradesh, aiming to protest the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. The Shimla Collectives, a group focused on environmental conservation and social justice, organized the event to spotlight the urgent need for improved women's safety in public spaces. Protesters demanded 'martyr status' for victims and capital punishment for the rape culprits.

The demonstration saw active participation from residents and served as both a symbolic gesture and a call to action. It highlighted the collective grief and outrage over the crime, which has been described as a significant stain on social morality. By gathering past midnight, participants aimed to reclaim public spaces for women and demand justice for the victim. Tikender Singh Panwar, the organizer and former Deputy Mayor of Shimla, emphasized the importance of unity in confronting such issues. 'All of us must unite and raise our voices on this extremely important issue,' Panwar stated.

Umang Banga, Mall Road area counselor, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for respect for women and young girls in public spaces. 'We are here to protest peacefully and show our solidarity with the woman doctor we lost in Kolkata,' Banga said. Saina Malhotra, another protestor, called for a change in mindset regarding women's safety and freedom. 'We call ourselves a free nation, but do women feel free to walk the streets? The answer is no,' she said. Lalita Ahuja, a social worker, expressed shock at the crime and demanded capital punishment for the culprits. 'Justice will be delivered only after severe punishment is given to the rapists,' Ahuja noted. Medical professionals also joined the protest, highlighting the ongoing struggle for safety and respect for women in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)