Reclaim the Night: Kolkata's midnight masses demand justice

The protest has escalated into a widespread movement across West Bengal, including Kolkata. In response to the RG Kar case, there has been a women's Reclaim the Night program on August 14, an indefinite doctors' strike, and ongoing demonstrations. The situation has caused significant turmoil across India. On the night of August 14, a nationwide movement was observed, and despite three weeks passing, Tilottama (a symbolic name) has yet to receive justice. Her rapists and killers remain at large. Yesterday, an unprecedented night occupation occurred in various parts of West Bengal, including Kolkata. Areas adjacent to Kolkata, such as Jadavpur, Dumdum, Garia, and Barrackpur, also witnessed large-scale protests as people took to the streets demanding justice. This spontaneous civil unrest has extended to states outside West Bengal as well.

On September 5, the Supreme Court was scheduled to hear the RG Kar case. However, the hearing was postponed, and the case will be reviewed again by the Division Bench of the Chief Justice. The Supreme Court had previously intervened on its own and raised several questions about the police investigation. Meanwhile, the city of Kolkata has been abuzz due to the Nabanna Abhijan, organized by the student community in front of the West Bengal Chief Minister’s office last Tuesday.

On August 14, the night before India's Independence Day, ordinary citizens took to the streets carrying the national flag, rallying independently of any political affiliations. This demonstration was repeated yesterday, September 4, with even greater fervor. The movement is expected to intensify further as the case progresses. The hearing date for the RG Kar case has been postponed, and the case is now likely to be reviewed on Friday, September 6. Protesters have been vocal on social media, questioning the judiciary's response to the situation.

Originally scheduled for September 5, the hearing did not take place as Chief Justice DY Chandrachud did not sit in court that day. This development has left the family of the deceased doctor devastated. In response, agitating junior doctors have vowed that the movement will only grow stronger with each delay. They are determined to continue their protests until the case reaches a resolution. Kunal Sarkar, a prominent doctor in Kolkata, expressed frustration in the media, stating, "It feels as though the Supreme Court is treating this as just another general constitutional matter. We expected a more decisive approach and firmer action. Instead, we have seen significant delays."

The family members of the victim also raised serious complaints during the Reclaiming the Night. The victim's uncle described a troubling incident, saying, "It was around 2:40 or 3:10 am when I went out to check on the girl. Shortly after, I received a call from the Chief Minister’s office, requesting a conversation. Following that, a doctor locked my elder brother and his wife in a room. There were at least 15 doctors present. He handed me a blank piece of paper, saying, 'Sign this, and we will fill in the details as needed. You are clearly upset.''

The uncle continued, "I questioned why we should sign a blank paper. There were 18 members of our family who could have been contacted, but no one was. I tore up the blank paper." This reflects the growing frustration and demand for justice, as the protest against the rape and murder of a young doctor has moved beyond social media to the streets, with people demanding a fair trial. Last night's reclaimation demonstrates that if justice is not delivered swiftly, the movement will only gain more momentum.

Meanwhile, the ruling Trinamool Congress party has been accused of obstructing the protests in some areas, including Mathabhanga in the northern district of Cooch Bihar, during the night reclaimation. This has further fueled the anger of the crowd. Now, the entire country, including Kolkata, is focused on the upcoming hearing of this case.