12 Kolkata: Protests continued in the city as several citizens raised their voices not only to demand speedy investigation by the CBI and justice for the R G Kar rape and murder victim but also to end the culture of victim-blaming. They marched through the streets to demand safe public spaces for women and the marginalised genders .
A call for protest was given by women, queer and transpersons from College Square to Shyambazar on Saturday for reclaiming their rights.People from all walks of life and across age and gender joined the protest.
Feminist activist Satabdi Das said, “I was enraged after I heard the alleged comments made by the former principal of R G Kar, Sandip Ghosh, who questioned why the victim was alone in the seminar room at night. This protest now has gone beyond just justice for the victim. The culture of rape and victim-blaming needs to end.”
NGO worker, Titli Maitra, marched with her three-year-old daughter. “This is no longer an isolated incident of rape. It is about the dignity of women and our equal rights. It is also about the safety and security of our future generation, our daughters,” she added. Presidency University student, Barishan Ray, said, “It is unfortunate that the collective rage that we’ve witnessed in the past few days is only seen when a victim is brutalized to an extreme level. It is important how women, trans and queer folks are showing the society the importance of dismantling rape culture and not just seeking justice for one victim. We need to ensure that people finally see how patriarchy is ingrained in the very fabric of society and thus leads up to crimes like these. Moreover, this call for justice is not fruitful until it challenges both the rape culture and the social and political hegemony that provides protection to the criminals.” Queer student of Jadavpur University Shivadooti Mandal said, “No one can lay claim to the nights . The state needs to ensure us safety, proper restrooms and public toilets for women and other marginalized genders throughout the day. ”
Another protest was called by theatre workers from Girish Mancha to R G Kar at 10.30 pm. Hundreds of common people participated along with actors and theatre personalities. Actor Sudipta Chakraborty said, “A grave transgression has happened. This extends beyond the heinous act of rape. There is a more sinister conspiracy at play, and I am compelled to protest to ensure that the truth is unveiled. We shall not allow this issue to dissipate into oblivion.”