The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced plans to hold a “Kalighat Cholo” march on September 25, demanding justice in the case of a rape and murder at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. BJP leader Sukanta Majumder explained that protests would begin on September 18, with the street protests leading up to the larger march near Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Hazra More.
Majumder also announced that the BJP’s Mahila Morcha would stage a symbolic protest on September 23, using brooms and Ganga water to “cleanse” certain police stations they deem corrupt.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari added that the march, with around 25,000-30,000 expected participants, would also call for the resignation of Chief Minister Banerjee, accusing the state government of mishandling the investigation.
Adhikari emphasized that the BJP’s demands include capital punishment for the accused in the August 9 case and the arrest of law enforcement officials involved in alleged tampering with evidence. He added that Banerjee should resign due to safety concerns and her government’s failure to uphold law and order.
Meanwhile, junior doctors from the RG Kar Medical College met with Banerjee to present their own five-point list of demands, which includes expedited justice for the victim and the removal of senior health department officials.
They accuse the state of attempting to cover up the crime through administrative lapses and corruption. They are also calling for reforms in the healthcare system, accusing several officials of complicity in mismanagement and corruption.
In a press conference held by the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front, the group demanded the removal of Kolkata’s Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and other top officers, accusing them of administrative failures and attempts to conceal evidence. Additionally, the doctors called for legal recognition of all Resident Doctors’ Associations and the election of new student union bodies.
