Kolkata: One year after the shocking murder of a young woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, justice remains elusive. Apart from civic volunteer Sanjay Roy, no one else has been arrested in connection with the case. In protest, Abhaya Mancha has announced a major demonstration — the Kalighat Abhiyan — to be held on August 9.
At a press conference on Monday, doctors Tamonash Chowdhury, Dhrutimaan Sengupta and Punyabrata Gun stated that on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, symbolic Rakhi festivals will be organized across various neighbourhoods to highlight the demand for safety and justice. The protest will march from Hazra More to Kalighat, directly addressing the Chief Minister with a call for justice.
Organizers said that while formal police permission is not required in a democracy to protest, they have informed authorities about the proposed stage and arrangements.
The Kalighat Abhiyan is not only a demand for justice in the doctor’s murder case but also a reaction to repeated police obstruction faced by Abhaya Mancha across 29 past protest movements, from Kaliganj to Kasba and RG Kar to Joynagar. The family of the deceased doctor is also expected to join the protest.
Interestingly, the same day also marks the opposition leader’s call for a Nabanna March, which the victim’s family has decided to support as part of their long-standing fight for justice — including appeals to the Home Minister, Prime Minister, and other key figures.
Additionally, on August 14, Abhaya Mancha plans to hoist the national flag at 100 locations at midnight, reclaiming the spirit of the nation. On July 9, they will also support the Left-backed strike, with a protest march from Moulali to Rajabazar.
This protest marks a significant moment in the city’s civil rights movement — a bold step at a historic crossroads.
