‘Unprecedented’ Kolkata RG Kar Protests Enter 5th Week: What Sets This Movement Apart from Others
KOLKATA: The citizens’ protest against the brutal rape and murder of an RG Kar Medical College junior doctor has entered its fifth week, marking an “unprecedented” moment in Kolkata’s storied history of street protests. This mass movement, characterized by its spontaneity, apolitical nature, and sustained participation, has surprised even the seasoned protest organizers in a city well-known for its tradition of political demonstrations.
From its outset, the protest has been described as “unpredictable” by both participants and observers. What began as a spontaneous outpouring of grief and anger has now transformed into a well-organized, large-scale citizens’ movement that shows no signs of slowing down. On Wednesday evening, the protest was even larger than the pre-Independence Day gatherings, with demonstrators waving the National Flag and eschewing any political party affiliations, something rarely seen in mass protests in Kolkata.
A Spontaneous Wave
The protests were sparked by a brutal crime that shocked the city. The victim, a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College, was raped and murdered at her workplace, a government hospital. This incident struck a deep nerve in Kolkata, a city often ranked as one of India’s safest metros, according to National Crime Records Bureau statistics. “The rape of a doctor, who is in no way from the margins of society or underprivileged, at her government hospital workplace is something that Kolkata never expected,” said social activist Saswati Ghosh. The unimaginable nature of the crime galvanized the city into action, with citizens of all backgrounds coming together to demand justice.
Rimjhim Sinha, one of the first to call for protests through social media with the “Reclaim the Night” movement, expressed her surprise at the sheer scale of the response. “When we called for the first protests, we never expected such an outpouring of support,” she said. Veteran writer Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay echoed her sentiment, describing the protests as “peaceful and apolitical,” setting them apart from other mass movements in the past.
The role of social media platforms, especially WhatsApp groups, has been pivotal in maintaining momentum. Information about the protests, including details about meeting points, slogans, and demands, is shared widely and rapidly across these platforms, enabling organizers to keep the movement alive. “Social media is helping us reach out and connect,” Sinha added.
A Broader Discontent
What distinguishes this protest from others is its deeply personal nature for many of the participants. Women like Rikta Mistri, a homemaker from Bhowanipore who had never attended a protest before, felt compelled to take to the streets. “It was important for me to be there because, as a mother, this fight is for our children’s safety, too,” Mistri said, reflecting the widespread sense of vulnerability that has fueled the demonstrations.
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The movement has also tapped into a broader discontent with the state of institutional governance and the perceived failure of the system to protect its citizens. Political activist Sayoni Chowdhury believes that this apolitical, non-violent protest reflects widespread frustration with the delays in the justice system and the frequent failure to hold perpetrators accountable. “Every citizen is aware that the system delays justice and lack of evidence allows perpetrators to escape,” Chowdhury explained. “However, this time, people are determined not to forget or move on to the next issue.”
This movement, with participation from a wide range of people, from students to professionals, highlights a deeper disillusionment with traditional patriarchal attitudes and the overall governance system. The protestors’ demands are an articulation of their disenchantment with what they see as a rampant abuse of power and the failure of the state to ensure justice and safety for its citizens.
Historical Roots of Protest in Kolkata
Kolkata, often referred to as the city of protests, has a long and storied history of political demonstrations. “Political turbulence has a storied history, and Bengalis are proud of this tradition,” said political commentator and former Times of India editor Shikha Mukerjee. However, what makes this movement unique is the clear boundary separating it from politically motivated protests. “The demands of the groups organizing these demonstrations are an articulation of their disenchantment with the ‘system.’ The mobilisation, minus political banners and leaders, is against the government, which is seen as the epicentre of rampant abuse of power,” Mukerjee added.
Former Naxalite leader Ashim Chatterjee, once a firebrand activist himself, noted that the protests have not subdued even after five weeks. “This movement has been able to channel the masses’ inner anger,” Chatterjee observed, highlighting the unprecedented persistence of the protests.
The Road Ahead
While the movement continues to gather steam, some caution against letting political agendas hijack the cause. Veteran singer Protul Mukhopadhyay warned protestors to remain focused on the fight for justice. “The protesters should channel their energy towards the fight for justice and not get diverted by political agendas,” he advised.
As the protests enter their fifth week, what remains clear is that the citizens of Kolkata are not willing to let this moment pass without ensuring that justice is served. United in their demand for accountability and change, they are reshaping the city’s protest culture in a manner that could set a precedent for future movements.
