Thousands of Indian Women March in Kolkata Over Rape and Murder of Doctor
Tens of thousands of women took to the streets of Kolkata, West Bengal state, on Wednesday night to protest the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at a state-run hospital.
The Reclaim the Night march, which was largely peaceful, was marred by clashes between police and a small group of unidentified men who vandalized the hospital where the doctor was killed.
The protesters, who were joined by men, demanded justice for the victim and an end to violence against women.
The march was sparked by the brutal killing of the trainee doctor, who was found half-naked and bearing extensive injuries in a seminar room at the RG Kar Medical College.
A hospital volunteer worker has been arrested in connection with the crime, but protesters accuse local authorities of negligence and cover-up.
The case has been transferred to the federal Central Bureau of Investigation, but protesters say they want more action to ensure women’s safety.
The march was echoed by smaller protests in other Indian cities, including Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune.
Organizers said the march was meticulously planned to ensure women’s safety and emphasized that politicians were not welcome.
Protesters carried placards, candles, and flags, and chanted slogans demanding justice and an end to violence against women.
The march was seen as a symbol of women’s frustration and determination to assert their rights in a society where they are often marginalized and oppressed.
As one protester said, “We want justice. We want to be able to walk freely without fear. We want our independence.”
