Kolkata Unites for Justice: Massive Protests Over Trainee Doctor's Murder

Hundreds in Kolkata switched off lights and took to streets to protest the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. Governor Bose joined by lighting a candle. Protests spread across cities, leading to the arrest of key figures and the passing of a new bill for women's safety.

Kolkata was thrust into the spotlight on Wednesday night as hundreds of residents turned off their lights and marched through the streets to protest against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. Among those protesting were the grieving parents of the deceased.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose showed solidarity by extinguishing the lights of Raj Bhavan and lighting a candle. The father of the deceased told reporters, 'We have to act; things are moving too slowly.' Questions for the police linger as frustrations build.

At RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, candlelight protesters filled the area. The numbers grew significantly at Kolkata's Shyam Bazaar, where participants waved national flags amid candlelight vigils. BJP leaders Sukanta Majumdar and Agnimitra Paul were also in attendance.

Jadavpur saw street performances as a form of protest. The outrage extended beyond Kolkata, with similar protests taking place in Delhi, where doctors from Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and AIIMS held their own candlelight vigils.

The tragic incident occurred on August 9 when the trainee doctor's body was discovered in the hospital's seminar room, igniting nationwide protests. A civic volunteer and the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, Sandip Ghosh, were arrested in connection with the crime and alleged financial misconduct, respectively.

The West Bengal Assembly responded by passing the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) 2024,' which mandates faster investigations of rape cases. CM Mamata Banerjee criticized the hasty approval of the national Code of Justice Bill, emphasizing the need for comprehensive consultation.

(With inputs from agencies.)