By D. Maan, Jadetimes News
A Night of Protest: Thousands March in West Bengal over the Brutal Murder of a Doctor
Introduction
On a rainy Wednesday night in West Bengal, tens of thousands of women marched in a powerful show of indignation and togetherness. The "Reclaim the Night" march was organised in response to the horrific rape and murder of a 31 year old female trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College the previous week. This tragic tragedy, which shook the state and nation, provoked nearly a week of protests, culminating in a large march through the streets of Kolkata and other Indian towns.
The Incident that sparked outrage
The sad occurrence that sparked these protests occurred after the trainee doctor finished a demanding 36 hour stint at RG Kar Medical College. She fell asleep in a seminar room after becoming exhausted and finding no designated rest spot. Her coworkers discovered her half naked body on the podium the following morning, with extensive bruises. The police detained a hospital volunteer worker in connection with the crime, which was classified as both rape and murder. The severity of the crime, as well as the perceived carelessness of hospital administrators and local law enforcement, have fuelled public outrage and calls for justice.
The Reclaim the Night March
In reaction to this tragedy, the Reclaim the Night march was organised, bringing together women from all walks of life who were determined to stand up to violence and demand their right to protection. Despite the rain, thousands of women marched boldly through Kolkata, clutching protest placards and their faces lit by the illumination of mobile phones, candles, and flaming torches. Men, both young and old, joined the march in sympathy with the women's demand for justice.
The march was not restricted to just Kolkata. Smaller protests took place in places including as Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune, when women and their allies gathered to express their dissatisfaction and demand action. In Kolkata, the demonstrators marched through the night, unaffected by the weather, their chants of "we want justice" resounding through the humid air.
A Night of Determination and Unity
The march was marked by a palpable sense of wrath and frustration. Women expressed their outrage at the lack of respect and safety they confront, with some wondering when they will gain genuine independence and be able to work without fear. "Women do not have respect! "Our worth is less than cows and goats," one woman stated. Another marcher, who was accompanying her 13 year old daughter, expressed her desire for her daughter to experience the protest and become aware of her rights.
The protest was defined by unity and a common sense of purpose. Women of all ages and social backgrounds came together to demand justice. Sanchari Mukherjee, editor of a digital magazine, told how she marched alongside hundreds of others, including elderly couples, families, and people from all walks of life. "I saw an elderly couple, the husband helping the woman to walk," she remarked, emphasising the crowd's inclusivity and commitment.
As the marchers passed by illuminated homes, people watched through windows and crowded verandahs. Though they did not participate physically, their presence demonstrated their commitment to the cause. The chant "we want justice" became the night's song, connecting well with marchers and spectators alike.
Challenges and clashes
While the protests were generally nonviolent, they were not without incident. A small number of unidentified individuals stormed into the RG Kar Hospital, where the doctor had been murdered, and ransacked the emergency department. The police were compelled to interfere, using tear gas to disperse the crowd. Several police vehicles were also destroyed in the fighting.
Despite these interruptions, the march remained focused and resolute. The conflicts did not deter the participants, who remained steadfast in their determination to seek justice for the slain doctor and fight for women's safety and dignity.
A Long History of reclaiming the Night
The Reclaim the Night march in Kolkata is part of a global history of marches in which women demand their freedom to stroll freely in public spaces. The first such march in India was held in 1978 in Bombay (now Mumbai) in response to a woman's rape on the street. Over the years, community-based art projects and activist collectives like Blank Noise have organised midnight walks in Delhi and other cities to urge women to express their right to roam freely at night.
However, in terms of magnitude and influence, the Kolkata march, which was followed by smaller protests in other cities, stands out as the largest and most significant to date. This march has become a potent symbol of India's ongoing struggle for women's rights and safety due to its large number of participants and the severity of their demands.
A call for justice and change
The protests in West Bengal and across India have been fuelled by resentment at how local officials handled the trainee doctor's rape and murder. Despite the arrest of a suspect, there have been allegations of cover-up and carelessness. The case has since been transferred from local police to the federal Central Bureau of Investigation, but public trust in the authorities remains low.
Despite having little resources, the Reclaim the Night march was methodically organised. The organisers welcomed women and others with marginalised sexual and gender identities, while males were asked to attend as supporters and spectators. Notably, politicians were explicitly barred from attending the rally, and people were urged not to bring any party flags, ensuring that the focus remained on justice for the victim and broader problems of women's security.
The Reclaim the Night march in Kolkata, as well as similar protests in other Indian cities, mark a watershed point in the fight for women's safety and rights in India. The protestors' sheer size and tenacity conveyed a clear message to the authorities: Indian women will no longer live in terror, and they demand justice and change.
Chaitali Sen, a demonstrator, stated, "We seized the night." We've never seen anything like it in the city. This is an unprecedented situation. I hope it alerts the authorities." The marchers' resolute determination and togetherness have transformed their demonstration into a powerful symbol of resistance and a plea for a safer, more just society for all women.
