The brutal rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata has left the city in shock and outrage. Still, even nearly a month after this horrific crime, the fight for justice is heating up, and the message is clear: Justice delayed is justice denied!
If you don’t know what happened, here’s a brief of what happened:
On August 9, a 31-year-old resident doctor was raped & found dead in a seminar room at RG Kar Medical College, with several external and internal injuries.
(TW: Sexual harassment, gore details, violence)
According to the post-martem report, pressure was applied to her mouth and throat, and she was strangled, resulting in a fracture of the thyroid cartilage. The report also noted bleeding from her eyes, mouth, and genitals, with the injuries in her genital area attributed to "perverted sexuality" and "genital torture".
The report was prepared around 4.40 p.m. on August 9, there were multiple strands of hair on the mattress which were soaked in blood. Her spectacles and a hair clip were also found.
The main accused, Sanjay Roy, was arrested, but the case has spiraled into a web of corruption and political scandal, including claims of prostitution, running sex rackets & other dark crimes by ex-principal Sandip Ghosh.
Now, along with him, three others have also been arrested. One is Afsar Ali Khan, his “personal bouncer,” and two vendors who sent medical supplies.
The Accused's Shocking Demands
In jail, Sanjay Roy has made bizarre demands, refusing to eat regular prison food and insisting on his favourite food, chow mein instead, claiming he’s “not used to” plain meals. The police authorities told him that either he eats the food or goes hungry and they won’t make special things, especially for a man like him.
He even threatened to prefer execution over the prison's offerings! This outrageous behavior has left many questioning his casual attitude after the horrific crime he committed and the justice system's grip on reality.
Protests Continue Across Kolkata
The streets of Kolkata are alive with anger as citizens protest against the ex-principal, political leaders, and the police. Doctors and activists stand united, demanding accountability, while the police backfire with tear gas, water cannons, and lathi charges at the ‘Nabanna Abhijaan’ rally.
Protestors have been labeled as BJP’s political pawns, but they refuse to back down.
On August 1st, a 'Maha Michhil' (mega rally) was scheduled, with one protestor calling it a non-political social media movement that will draw thousands to unite.
(These updates are as of 3rd September, 2024.)
Now, what do protestors want?
The demands are loud and clear:
- End corruption in the police and political systems.
- Swift and fair justice for victims.
- Safety for women and the LGBTQ+ communities.
- Mandatory sex education in schools.
- Resignation of implicated officials like MLA Abhijeet Ganguly & Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal due to security lapse & vandalism
- Mandatory surveillance in public spaces to protect citizens.
- Strict enforcement of POCSO & POSH acts
- Including women in security roles
- Special attention to differently-abled people
- Formation of International Criminal Court (ICC
- Transparency in civic volunteer roles
New Anti-Rape Bill Passed
In a significant move, On September 3rd, the West Bengal Assembly passed a new anti-rape Bill unanimously. CM Mamata announced that a special police unit, the ‘Aparajita Task Force,’ will be established once the Bill becomes law.
The ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024’ proposes capital punishment for rape convicts if their actions lead to the victim’s death or a vegetative state. This new law aims for swift investigations, fast justice, and harsher punishments for the guilty, with the CM even advocating for death by hanging for the guilty.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been vocal about PM Modi’s lack of response to her letters and praised civil societies and students for advocating women's safety. She has demanded the resignation of BJP ministers and the PM for failing to enact effective rape and women’s safety laws, especially when UP’s rape and crimes against women is at an all-time high for decades.
A fight that must continue
August has come and gone, but we cannot let this horrifying & disturbing crime fade into the background. We must remember the young doctor and ensure that justice is served, not just to her but thousands of other cases that take place everyday at any time. Many of these crimes are brushed under the carpet since they are uncovered by the press or are just not “big enough”. But, how much do we know about what goes on in the four walls of rural areas, how many women are silenced by their own families, and how many fear societal shame if they speak up? The answer is, we don’t! Even though they make the headlines, they are brushed under the carpet.
Big cases like the Unnao rape case, Nirbhaya, Kathua, Hathras, and many more - these are some we know about. The ages of these women also vary, some are minors, some are elder women, and some are literally infants. Who is going to be held accountable? Will these accused ever be given punishments as harsh as the brutalities these victims suffered? Only time will tell, with no deadline given.
Now, the public is rallying, fueled by social media and a fierce determination to demand harsh punishments & a whole change in our legal systems.
The fight for justice will not stop until the voices of the people are heard and changes are made.
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