Kolkata doctor's rape-murder case: Activist rallies women to reclaim independence on August 14 night

There have been widespread protests in Kolkata after rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor.

After the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, waves of protests have emerged across the country. One such protest, led by Rimjhim Sinha, a former sociology researcher from Presidency University, is set to take place on the night of August 14-15, as the country celebrates its 77th Independence Day tomorrow.

Sinha’s protest is called “The Night Is Ours” and is aimed at highlighting the stark reality that, while India celebrates its independence on the night of August 14-15, women in the country still lack true freedom.

"I thought that on the night of Independence Day, when the entire India celebrates its independence, I would celebrate my independence as a woman," Sinha said in an interview with News18. "I will call for every person who belongs to a marginalised gender community to come forth and celebrate their independence."

#BreakingNews | Rimjhim Sinha, key campaigner of '#TheNightisOurs', speaks to @toyasingh of #CNNNews18, vowing to uproot oppressive systems & challenge the status quo

"Time to break the shackles & change the system from the root," she says. #KolkataDoctorDeath pic.twitter.com/Wahtj4w8q7

— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 14, 2024

Initially shared on Facebook, Sinha's appeal quickly went viral, striking a chord with many across the country. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, with numerous women expressing their intent to join the protest. Sinha noted that even those unable to stay for the entire night are planning to participate for at least a few hours, demonstrating their solidarity.

"Whenever there is something powerful enough to challenge that system and break its so-called norms and laws... there will be people who will try to malign it. My stand is that I want every person who has belonged to a marginalised community to have their own stand, to live their independent lives, where they do not have to be subjected to oppression every single day,” Sinha told News18.

The body of the second-year student in the chest medicine department was discovered in a semi-nude state in RG Kar hospital’s seminar hall last Friday. The victim was found with multiple injuries, bleeding from her eyes and mouth and reports suggest she was sexually assaulted before being strangled.

The autopsy also reportedly revealed 150mg of semen in her body - a significantly high amount - with the victim's parents suspecting the involvement of more than one individual in the brutal crime.

Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, who frequented the hospital, has been arrested after being spotted in the CCTV footage on the night of the crime. Local media report that he admitted to the crime after his arrest and said “hang me”, displaying no remorse. His phone was loaded with violent pornographic content and he reportedly went home and washed his clothes to destroy evidence.

The incident has sparked widespread anger, leading to strikes and protests by junior doctors, trainees, and medical students across the country, impacting healthcare services.

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday ordered the transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), citing the inadequacy of the state government’s response.