Kolkata Gears Up for Midnight ‘Reclaim the Night’ Protest on August 14

Kolkata, August 13: The streets of Kolkata and its adjoining districts are set to witness a wave of midnight protests on August 14, as citizens unite to demand justice for the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim.

Marking the anniversary of the incident, various platforms, including doctors’ forums, social groups, and political organisations, have called for candlelight vigils, rallies, and cultural gatherings under the banner of Raat Dokhol (Reclaim the Night).

Last year, thousands thronged the city’s streets at midnight, holding candles to condemn the brutal crime. This year, organisers plan to replicate the protest, with events stretching from the heart of Kolkata to the outskirts, including North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, and South 24 Parganas.

The Raat Dokhol Oikko Mancha will lead a night-long vigil outside the Academy of Fine Arts from 9 p.m. on August 14 to 5 a.m. on August 15. “We will once again raise our voice to uphold the rights of women and demand justice for our beloved daughter who was killed last year. Through songs, plays, and films, we will send a message of solidarity and resistance,” said convener Shatabdi Das.

Doctors, activists, and concerned citizens will join hands for simultaneous ‘Reclaim the Night’ processions across the city. Joint Platform of Doctors convenor Dr. Punyabrata Goon confirmed that rallies and vigils will be held in multiple districts. Left organisations have also pledged participation, with a major march planned at a key city intersection.

On August 9, 2024, the body of a postgraduate trainee was discovered in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, sparking outrage and demands for systemic reform in women’s safety measures.