Thousands of women across West Bengal took to the streets at midnight as part of the "Reclaim the Night" campaign, demanding justice for a doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered at a state-run hospital in Kolkata. Pics/ PTI
Updated On: 2024-09-05 12:43 PM IST
Compiled by : Sanjana Deshpande
The 'Reclaim the Night' movement, which began on August 14, saw its second edition on Wednesday. The campaign, driven by social media, kicked off at 11:30 pm, as protesters marched in various towns and cities across the state.
Women from all walks of life, including actors, students, and homemakers, marched with national flags and candles, highlighting a unified call for justice, free from political party affiliations.
Despite the peaceful intent of the protests, there were a few isolated incidents. In Kolkata, two individuals were taken into custody for misbehaving with female protesters, while in Mathabhanga, a protester was assaulted, allegedly by Trinamool Congress (TMC) members.
In a symbolic moment at Sealdah Station in Kolkata, pavement dwellers joined the protest, with some women blowing conch shells.
Protests spread across West Bengal to towns such as Berhampore, Siliguri, Bardhaman, and Jalpaiguri, as women in various locations marched in solidarity, demanding justice for the victim.
At Jadavpur, one man was arrested for allegedly molesting a woman during the protest. The police quickly apprehended the individual, and an FIR was lodged by the victim with the support of actor Sohini Sarkar and her colleagues.
In Garia, another man was detained by police after being accused of misbehaving with female protesters. The individual, who was reportedly intoxicated, was handed over to authorities after being beaten by other demonstrators.
In Mathabhanga, Cooch Behar, a protester was assaulted during a demonstration, allegedly by TMC members. The CPI(M) filed a police complaint, although the TMC denied any involvement in the incident.
At Shyambazar, actor Rituparna Sengupta was met with hostility from protesters, who shouted "Go back" as she attempted to speak at the venue. The situation escalated, leading to her being escorted from the area by police and bodyguards.