A massive relay torch rally saw thousands of citizens marching from Hiland Park to Shyambazar-crossing, covering around 42 km, demanding justice for a trainee doctor who was raped and murdered last month at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The rally, which began at 4 pm and concluded around midnight, drew participants from all walks of life, including doctors, members of voluntary organizations, specially-abled individuals, cartoonists, IT professionals, scientists, and professors. Notably, arch-rival football clubs Mohun Bagan and East Bengal also joined the march, adding to the broad-based support.
Officials reported that the torch march passed through several key locations, including Ruby Crossing, VIP Bazar, Science City, Chingrighata, and took a detour via Beleghata Building More, Mallick Bazar, NRS Medical College, and SSKM Hospital before concluding at Shyambazar in north Kolkata.
As participants marched, flaming torches were held aloft, and slogans were shouted in solidarity with the victim. Several attendees also waved the national flag and used their mobile flashlights to express their support.
One rallyist was heard expressing frustration over the slow pace of justice, saying, “Justice delayed is justice denied. A speedy trial is needed, and those responsible must be punished. Abhaya (the name given to the victim) deserves justice.”
Another participant, a retired school teacher, shared her determination despite her health conditions: “Despite my ailments, I couldn’t help coming down from my third-floor apartment to meet the processionists. The medic was like my granddaughter. Let no other granddaughter meet such a grim fate.”
In a related development, junior doctors in West Bengal ended their 11-day sit-in outside Swasthya Bhavan on Friday. They announced a partial resumption of duties, agreeing to attend essential services in state-run hospitals. The decision followed a 10-point directive issued by state chief secretary Manoj Pant to ensure the safety and security of healthcare workers while improving the efficiency of the state’s health system.