Reclaim the Night 2.0: Massive Turnout Marred by Isolated Incidents

The second "Reclaim the Night" protest in West Bengal saw massive participation across the state, with thousands marching for justice in the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case. While largely peaceful, the event was marred by a few incidents of molestation and alleged political violence, leading to police intervention and arrests.

In a powerful display of solidarity, thousands of citizens across West Bengal participated in the second "Reclaim the Night" protest, demanding justice for a 31-year-old woman doctor who was raped and murdered on August 9. The peaceful demonstration, organized primarily through social media, saw an overwhelming response from people of all walks of life.

As darkness fell on September 4, 2024, streets in Kolkata and numerous towns throughout the state were illuminated by candlelight. Protesters, including actors, students, professionals, and homemakers, marched holding national flags and candles, their voices united in the call for justice. Notably absent were political party symbols, underscoring the grassroots nature of the movement.

The protest spread far beyond Kolkata, reaching district towns such as Berhampore, Chinsurah, Santiniketan, Krishnanagar, Bardhaman, Siliguri, Barasat, Barrackpore, Rajarhat-Newtown, Cooch Behar, Mathabhanga, and Jalpaiguri. Participants turned off lights in their homes as a mark of sorrow for the tragic incident that sparked the movement.

However, the largely peaceful demonstration was marred by a few isolated incidents. In Jadavpur, police arrested an allegedly intoxicated man for molesting a woman at the 8B bus stand area. The victim, escorted by actor Sohini Sarkar, filed an FIR at the local police station. Similarly, in Garia, south Kolkata, protesters apprehended and handed over to police a youth accused of misbehaving with women.

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A separate incident in Cooch Behar district's Mathabhanga town saw allegations of violence against a CPI(M) branch secretary, reportedly by ruling Trinamool Congress members. The CPI(M) has filed a police complaint, while the TMC denies involvement.

Despite these isolated occurrences, the "Reclaim the Night 2.0" protest successfully brought attention to issues of women's safety and justice. The movement, initiated by protesting junior doctors, continues to gain momentum as citizens demand swift action in the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case.