Reclaim the Night: West Bengal's Rally for Justice and Safety

Thousands are expected at the third 'Reclaim the Night' campaign on September 8 midnight in West Bengal. The movement, gaining momentum since August 14, demands justice for a doctor allegedly raped and murdered. Participants, transcending political lines, seek a safer environment for women.

Thousands of women across West Bengal are expected to participate in the third edition of the 'Reclaim the Night' campaign on September 8 at midnight, pressing their demand for justice for a doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at a local hospital last month.

This demonstration marks one month since the heinous crime and follows the first two significant gatherings on August 14 and September 4. These events, spread from small towns to booming cities, resonated with the rallying cry: "We want justice".

Social activist and campaign initiator Rimjhim Sinha noted the unexpectedly large turnout despite initially calling for smaller gatherings. Subsequently, a mass protest ensued, covering multiple points in and around the state's city and districts. Emboldened by the response, another 'Reclaim the Night' gathering is set for September 8 midnight, seeking 'justice for Abhaya'.

The apolitical nature of the movement has driven massive participation, as activists receive numerous calls and messages of support. Protesters demand a safe environment for women, something successive governments at both state and central levels have failed to ensure, according to Sinha.

In the earlier protests, notable was the absence of political party flags, with demonstrators holding the national flag to emphasize a unified call for justice. Women from various walks of life, including actors, students, professionals, and homemakers, marched together, carrying posters and candles against the violence that claimed the doctor's life.

Spontaneous gatherings have been reported across the city and districts, and similar responses are anticipated on September 8. The night will feature performances addressing individual rights. Another organizer mentioned a similar protest, 'Women take over the dawn,' scheduled in Siliguri on September 9.

Former table tennis champion Mantu Ghosh reported that music bands and singers would perform from 2 am to 4:30 am that day, demanding justice for the victim and all women who faced sexual abuse, aiming to end this social evil.

The body of the postgraduate trainee from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was found on August 9, with a civic volunteer arrested the next day in connection with the crime. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently probing the incident following a Calcutta High Court order.

(With inputs from agencies.)