A month after the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital, West Bengal continues to be in the grip of protests as Sunday witnessed a wave of demonstrations with thousands of people taking to the streets demanding justice for the woman.

In Kolkata, school alumni, artists, rickshaw pullers, and celebrities took part in protests that were organised from upscale south Kolkata neighbourhood to central Dharmatala to Barasat in its northern precincts.

The parents of the 31-year old junior doctor also joined a protest march of doctors at Dharmatala during the day and later attended a demonstration by artists in Jadavpur.

“My daughter’s dreams were shattered by this heinous crime. I’m grateful for the support of protesters who have become like my children,” the victim’s mother said.

The Jadavpur Artist Forum spearheaded a unique form of protest by transforming the streets into canvases. Artists gathered at key intersections, including Garia Mor, Gangulibagan Mor, Baghajatin Mor, Sukant Setu, and the 45 Bypass Connector, to paint their messages of outrage and demand for justice. Noted painters like Sameer Kundu and people joined the initiative, dubbed “Rajpathai Canvas”. Cultural programs were also organised to amplify the message.

Alumni of over 50 schools took part in a protest march from Gariahat to Rasbehari Avenue in Kolkata.

Besides Kolkata, similar demonstrations were also held in Barrackpore, Budgebudge, Belgharia, Agarpara, Dumdum, and Baguiati.

The protests have resonated with the Indian communities around the world, with similar demonstrations being planned in 13 countries.

By midnight, women thronged the streets as part of the third “Reclaim the Night” campaign. The first “Reclaim the Night” took place on August 14 night, on the eve of Independence Day, that witnessed mob violence at RG Kar Hospital.

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