Rape and murder of a doctor: a night sit-in in Calcutta – News Today

Kolkata: Participants in a massive rally, including film personalities and human rights activists, staged an all-night sit-in till 4 am on Monday, demanding justice for a doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered in a hospital last month.

Thousands of people took part in a protest march on Sunday and after the rally they moved to the Esplanade area in central Kolkata, vowing to stay there till Monday morning to pressure the government to promptly investigate the heinous crime and arrest the culprits.

Sunday night’s protest was reminiscent of the “Women Take Back the Night” event held at midnight on August 14 to demand justice for the postgraduate medical intern.

“We had given the administration a deadline of 4 a.m. to respond to our request… But we have not heard from any state department – ​​police, health and women and child welfare.

“At the beginning of the dharna, we had sent separate letters to these departments, urging them to send representatives to listen to our grievances. Not a single state representative responded or showed up,” said filmmaker Birsa Dasgupta.

Actress Sohini Sarkar said participants in the mega rally that began from College Square in north Kolkata will discuss how to take the movement forward after the 4 am deadline expires.

“We will not dismantle the stage erected for the sit-in,” she said.

Actor Swastika Mukherjee, who was at the forefront of the protest, demanded “abolition of abuse” and strict punishment for convicted rapists.

“Our protests will intensify from now on and will continue. There will be a relaxation during Durga Puja as many poor people depend on this festival,” the actor said.

She also said, “The arrest of all those involved in the RG Kar case is crucial for the safety of every woman.”

It is to be noted that the body of the postgraduate intern doctor was found in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, and a civic volunteer was arrested in connection with the alleged rape and murder of the doctor.

The incident has sparked nationwide outrage and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating the case under the direction of the Calcutta High Court.