Kolkata horror: Victoria Memorial, Raj Bhawan go dark as 'Reclaim the Night' protests rage in Bengal

Less than a month after a trainee doctor was brutally raped and murdered at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, protests in India's eastern state, West Bengal have escalated, demanding justice.

On Wednesday (September 04), Kolkata residents turned off their lights between 9:00 and 10:00 pm in a symbolic act of disappointment over the lack of progress in the investigation. TheVictoria Memorial Hall, along with the city’s homes and streets, remained in darkness without electricity.

Even the lights at West Bengal’s Raj Bhawan were switched off. Governor CV Ananda Bose participated in the demonstration by lighting a candle at Raj Bhavan. He said, “When light is fear, darkness is dear.”

Aside from being a part of the demonstration, Bose also asked West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to take immediate steps to restore law and order in the state.

“Governor directs the CM to take convincing steps to assuage the sentiments of the people of Bengal who are agitated over the RG Kar Hospital horror and maintain law and order in the state offering protection and security to the women. Enough is enough,” an official statement from the Raj Bhavan read.

As part of the "Reclaim the Night" campaign, thousands of women marched at midnight, calling for justice for the 31-year-old doctor. The movement, fuelled largely by social media, continued to gain strength, marking the second such protest following a similar midnight rally on August 14.

Hundreds of junior doctors took part in a candlelight march near Lalbazaar, where the Kolkata Police headquarters is located, raising slogans and calling for justice for the victim.

People also gathered at several locations, including New Town’s Biswa Bangla Gate, Shyambazar, Sinthir More, Sodpur Traffic More, Hazra More, Jadavpur 8B bus stand, Lake Gardens, and Behala Sakher Bazar, all demanding justice.

(With inputs from agencies)