Governor meets R.G. Kar victim’s family; protests rage across Kolkata

Protests continue in Kolkata over doctor's rape and murder, with political parties demanding Chief Minister's resignation.

Twelve days after the rape and murder of a doctor at the R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, there has been no let-up in the protests, with over a dozen rallies organised across Kolkata on Wednesday (August 21, 2024).

West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose visited the residence of the victim and met her family. The Governor left for the deceased doctor’s house straight from the airport after returning from New Delhi, where he met President Droupadi Murmu. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had visited the residence of the victim on August 12.

As political parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), hit the streets demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister, doctors marched to Swastha Bhawan, headquarters of the State Health Department. Among those protesting and bringing out processions were sports personalities, engineers and journalists.

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The entire BJP leadership of West Bengal, led by State president Sukanta Majumdar and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, was present during the protests. Demanding the resignation of Ms. Banerjee, Mr. Adhikari said the family was pressurised by local Trinamool Congress leaders to say that they had faith in the Chief Minister.

The State BJP unit is holding a five-day demonstration at Shyambazar, about half a kilometre away from the college. “The Chief Minister should resign as soon as possible,” Mr. Majumdar said.

Along with the BJP, senior leaders of West Bengal Pradesh Congress held demonstrations outside Lalbazar police headquarters. Senior Congress leaders, including former State president Abdul Mannan and Pradip Bhattacharya, were stopped at Central Avenue near the police headquarters and detained.