Kolkata Rape and Murder Case: Rival football fans of East Bengal, Mohun Bagan join hands to demand justice

The fans of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal came together in solidarity on Sunday (Aug 18) in Kolkata to demand justice in the RG Kar hospital rape and murder case. The fans, known as thefiercest rivals in the history of club football in the city, were later detained by the Kolkata Police.

#WATCH | West Bengal: Police detains football fans protesting against the rape and murder of a woman resident doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

(Visuals from Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium) pic.twitter.com/De1WJtccrp — ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2024

The match between the teams, historically a high-tension one, had already been cancelled after the city police expressed inability to provide security.

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The fans, wearing the jerseys of their respective teams, said that they were 'Indians first before supporters of team, and that unfortunate incident happened with an Indian girl.' They also raised the slogan 'we want justice' during the protest outside iconic Salt Lake stadium.

#WATCH | West Bengal: Protest held near Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata against the rape and murder of a woman resident doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. pic.twitter.com/Uu8P5omlJg — ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2024

"We are first Indians. Before Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, we are Indians. Atrocity has happened against Indian woman. We were protesting peacefully here...But the police started a lathi charge...," said a protester as reported by the news agency ANI.

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: "We are first Indians. Before Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, we are Indians. Atrocity has happened against Indian woman. We were protesting peacefully here...But the police started a lathi charge...," says a football supporter protesting near Salt… pic.twitter.com/Mi5kR6DJq7 — ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2024

All India Football Federation (AIFF) chief Kalyan Chaubey, meanwhile, slammed the authorities for cancelling the Durand Cup match between the two teams.

“I believe that football is above religion and caste. I am fully confident that if you organise the match here, there will be no ruckus, no unrest in the football ground, I am fully confident that the people will support their teams peacefully but the match should not be shifted from here. The fans also want that the culprit should be caught as soon as possible and punished," said the former India goalkeeper.

The city has been reeling under protest ever since the brutal gangrape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar medical hospital on August 9. The clamour for justice has been growing throughout the country with medical professionals demanding swift action in the case.