Protests & candle-light vigil mark 100th day since RG Kar crime
Times of India | 18 November 2024
12 Kolkata: From mass gatherings and protest rallies to candle-light vigils, various activities marked the 100th day since the 31-year-old chest medicine PGT's rape-murder at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, with different organisations keeping up the demand for justice. The PGT was found raped and murdered on the morning of Aug 9.
The West Bengal Junior Doctors Front (WBJDF), which has been at the forefront of the movement for justice, organised a protest gathering at Shyambazar five-point crossing on Sunday night. Some of its members had gone on hunger strike in Oct to stress their demands of ‘justice for Abhaya' and reforms in the health sector.
"Even on the 100th day, the CBI presented a charge sheet full of loopholes that raises more questions than answers. We feel disappointed and frustrated at the incompetence displayed by the country's apex investigating agency. We are angry at the state's apathy, conducting fruitless meetings, twisting words, and weaponising diplomacy," WBJDF posted on its social media handle, calling upon citizens to participate in its protest gathering.
A cycle rally by 100 individuals from the Sodepur home of the deceased PGT criss-crossed areas like Madhyamgram Road, Sodepur Station Road, BT Road, Rathtala More, Dunlop More, Topin Road More, Sinthi More and Chiria More, covering approximately 25 km, and concluded at Shyambazar. At Amarabati More, 100 candles were lit in protest, with Abhaya's parents participating in the event there.
In an event by the Committee for Protection of Education Rights, in association with a few other organisations, 100 candles were lit at Dorina crossing in the evening, blocking the road for 100 minutes to remind everyone that justice was pending even 100 days after the heinous crime.
A protest play near Ruby More, ‘Sattadhik Konthe Pratibad' by the Community for Women's Safety near Salt Lake City Centre, and similar protest events at Moulali and Gariahat were held on Sunday. Organisations involved in these programmes said they will plan other activities, which will be carried out on a regular basis until justice is given to the raped and murdered junior doctor.