Bengal Holds Lights Off Protest This Evening, "Reclaim The Night" Next

Sharp at 9 pm, prominent landmarks of the city, like the Victoria Memorial and Raj Bhavan, plunged into darkness. Switching off lights at their homes, people hit the streets with burning candles.

Most of Kolkata went dark this evening as a mark of protest against the rape-murder of a young doctor at the RG Kar Medical College. It was also a unique display of the city's solidarity with the young doctors who have been on a protest since the horrific incident of August 9. This is expected to be followed by a "Reclaim the night" protest by women.

Sharp at 9 pm, prominent landmarks of the city, like the Victoria Memorial and Raj Bhavan, plunged into darkness. Governor CV Ananda Bose also switched off the lights at Raj Bhavan to show solidarity. "When light is fear, darkness is dear," he said. Switching off lights at their homes, people hit the streets with burning candles.

Large pockets across the state -- including twin city Howrah -- also witnessed spontaneous protests, with people marching with burning torches, candles and even cellphone torches.

In Kolkata, protests were held at prominent landmarks including Shyambazar, Moulali, New Town Biswa Bangla Gate, Rashbehari crossing, Behala, Garia, Ballygunge, Hazra crossing and Jadavpur 8B bus stand. At the epicentre - RG Kar Medical College and Hospital - junior and senior doctors held a protest which was also attended by the woman's parents and other family members.