The RG Kar rape and murder case has undoubtedly rattled the city of Kolkata to its core. The tragic incident, which involved the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, has left a deep scar on the city's conscience. People across the city are struggling to come to terms with the horror of this crime, and as more details emerge, the situation only becomes more distressing. Allegations of a mishandled investigation and possible cover-ups by both the Kolkata Police and the Trinamool Congress government, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, have fueled public outrage. The sense of mistrust in the authorities is palpable, with many questioning the motives behind the alleged mismanagement of such a sensitive and horrifying case.

The handling, or rather mishandling, of this tragic case has ignited widespread anger throughout Kolkata. Many citizens feel that justice is either being denied or delayed, and this perception has only intensified public calls for accountability. The people of Kolkata, a city renowned for its strong political and social awareness, have come together, rallying for justice. Their demand is clear: justice for the trainee doctor who was brutally raped and murdered within what should have been the safety of a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College.

The gravity of the crime, combined with the subsequent lack of proper investigation, has pushed many Kolkata residents to take to the streets. This is not just an isolated protest but a citywide movement, with people from all walks of life joining together, united by a common demand for justice. The injustice that seems to linger over the case has brought about a powerful wave of solidarity among the city’s residents.

Today, on September 5, Thursday, a massive rally took place in Kolkata, organized by delivery partners of popular food aggregators like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and Zepto. This protest, led by the very individuals who are often seen navigating the busy streets to fulfill orders, is a clear reflection of how deeply this incident has impacted the collective conscience of the city. These individuals, hailing from diverse professional backgrounds, have now come together to stand in solidarity with the victim and demand justice. This outpouring of support shows how the incident has cut across both social and professional boundaries, as the people of Kolkata unite in their quest for justice.

On Wednesday, September 4, the people of Kolkata came together in a powerful and symbolic protest, turning off their lights between 9:00 and 10:00 pm. This act was a reflection of their deep dissatisfaction and disappointment with the lack of progress in the investigation of the RG Kar Hospital rape-murder case. The symbolic blackout was not just about darkness but about sending a strong and clear message to the authorities. The citizens of Kolkata, frustrated and disillusioned, were uniting to voice their growing belief that justice is being delayed or obstructed in this critical case.

This symbolic blackout became a reflection of the city's collective grief and anger. The residents, who have been following the case closely, participated in a silent protest, demanding justice for the young trainee doctor whose life was brutally taken. Their simple act of turning off the lights was both a show of solidarity and a call to action, as people from different neighborhoods and communities united to express their dissatisfaction with the pace and transparency of the investigation.

The call for this lights-out protest came from the medical community, specifically doctors, who named the movement ‘Let there be light, let there be justice’. This protest took place just hours before the Supreme Court was scheduled to hear the case on Thursday. Unfortunately, the hearing has now been postponed, further heightening the anxiety and frustration of those demanding justice.

One junior doctor, passionately expressing his frustration, was quoted as saying, “Three weeks have passed, still no progress in the investigation… Let’s come out on the streets with light, join hands in our call for justice, and create a human chain.” This statement resonated with many, as it captured the urgency and intensity of the situation. The fact that three weeks have gone by without any significant progress in the investigation has only added to the sense of despair and helplessness among those fighting for justice.

Across the state, civil society groups also organized demonstrations in support of the cause. On Wednesday night, various locations in and around Kolkata saw nighttime protests as people took to the streets to express their anger and demand accountability. This statewide surge of protests drew comparisons to the ‘Reclaim the Night’ movement, which took place on the midnight of August 14. Just like that movement, these protests are about reclaiming safety, justice, and accountability in a city and state that seems to be failing its citizens at this crucial moment.

Several lawyers took a bold stand in their demand for justice, forming human chains outside Calcutta High Court and Bankshall Court. Their unified presence was a powerful statement advocating for justice for the RG Kar victim. Following this display of solidarity, the lawyers from Bankshall Court went a step further, participating in a rally in honor of the young doctor. Their participation in the movement highlights how deeply the legal community, too, has been moved by this case.

The protests have not been limited to the legal fraternity. On Tuesday, September 3, a massive number of protesters, numbering in the thousands and including doctors and paramedics from various private hospitals, took to the streets. Together, they formed a staggering 13-kilometre-long human chain that stretched along the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, connecting Ultadanga in the north to Patuli in the south of the city. This symbolic gesture visually united two ends of the city, showcasing the solidarity of Kolkata's medical community and the residents in their shared pursuit of justice for the victim.

The demonstration lasted for an hour, beginning at 5 p.m., and was carefully organized to ensure that the protest did not disrupt daily life. The protesters were mindful of the city’s traffic, ensuring that crossings were not blocked. Despite the scale of the demonstration, they made sure that their message was heard without causing inconvenience to others. The participants waved the tricolour, a symbol of their commitment to justice and unity, and carried placards with strong messages such as “How long must we wait for justice?”, “Hang the rapists,” and “Justice for our sister.” These signs, held high by protesters from all walks of life, including commuters and local residents, reflected the collective outrage and desire for change.

This human chain and the rally that followed are more than just protests; they are a direct reflection of Kolkata's grief and anger over the brutal rape and murder that took place at a state-run hospital. The fact that such coordinated and widespread actions are taking place points to a growing loss of faith in the government’s ability to handle serious matters. The failure to conduct a transparent and thorough investigation into the horrific crime has only deepened the public's discontent.

These protests are not just about voicing dissatisfaction; they are about holding the authorities accountable. Kolkata's citizens are determined to seek answers and justice for the young doctor, and they are not willing to remain silent in the face of what they perceive as negligence. Their persistence and unity in this fight are clear indicators that they will continue to demand justice until the truth comes to light and those responsible are held accountable. The tricolour they wave may symbolize the nation's unity, but for Kolkata's people, it has become a symbol of their relentless fight for justice.