Kolkata Doctor Case: Citywide lights off protest demands justice for RG Kar hospital incident

Kolkata residents turn off lights, light candles in powerful protest, demanding justice for RG Kar Hospital murder case.

Kolkata witnessed a profound display of solidarity as thousands of citizens turned off their lights for an hour at 9 pm on Wednesday, taking to the streets with burning candles in a powerful protest.

The collective gesture aimed to demand justice for the murder of a young doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, whose tragic death has shaken the city. Across Kolkata’s neighborhoods, as well as various districts of West Bengal, citizens spontaneously gathered, holding burning torches, candles, and backlit mobile phones to express outrage and demand accountability.

The protest was spearheaded by the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front under the banner "Let There Be Light, Let There Be Justice." It was strategically timed to coincide with the Supreme Court's scheduled hearing on the high-profile rape-murder case on September 5. Protesters called for swift justice, urging the judiciary to expedite the trial so that the victim’s family would not suffer the agony of delayed resolution. The widespread participation in the protest reflected the growing frustration and grief among the people of Bengal.

At 9 pm, prominent landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial and Raj Bhavan plunged into darkness, mirroring the somber mood across the city. Homes and businesses followed suit, joining in the silent yet powerful act of resistance. In a symbolic gesture, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose lit a candle at Raj Bhavan, remarking, "When light is fear, darkness is dear," capturing the sentiment of the protest.

Large crowds gathered at key locations in Kolkata, including Shyambazar, Moulali, Biswa Bangla Gate, Rashbehari, and Jadavpur, as well as in neighboring areas like Howrah and Salt Lake. Citizens, led by junior and senior doctors, marched with candles and chanted, "We want justice!" RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where the victim had worked, became the epicenter of the protests, with doctors, students, and the victim's family members standing in solidarity.

Speaking to the media from the hospital premises, the victim's relatives leveled serious allegations against the Kolkata Police, accusing them of "hyperactivity in the cremation of the victim's body" and of "insensitive treatment" toward the family in the aftermath of the crime, which was discovered on August 9. The family's demands for accountability have struck a chord with many across the city, intensifying the calls for transparency and justice.

As the city continues to grieve, the candlelight protest stands as a powerful reminder of Kolkata's resilience and the unwavering demand for justice for one of its own.

(With inputs from agencies)