The Calcutta High Court has admitted a petition regarding an alleged attack on a “Reclaim the Night” protest against the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor from RG Kar Medical College & Hospital. The incident occurred in August.
On Thursday, Justice Rajarshi Bhardwaj of a single-judge bench accepted the petition. The case is expected to be heard on Friday.
The petitioner claims that on October 1, protesters were assaulted by local Trinamool Congress activists, led by party councillor Ratna Sur from the Tollygunge area. According to the petition, the activists physically attacked women protesters, while local police allegedly refused to register a complaint against the assailants.
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On the same day, various protest rallies and “Reclaim the Night” events were held across Kolkata. One notable rally involved 40 organizations, including doctors’ associations, marching from College Square to Rabindra Sadan in South Kolkata.
In the Tollygunge area, a “Reclaim the Night” demonstration was underway when the alleged attack occurred. Protesters reported that the attack happened in plain view of police officers, who remained “mute spectators” and declined to intervene.
However, Councillor Ratna Sur has denied the allegations. She claimed that her associates were provoked by the protesters, who allegedly used “abusive” language. Sur also stated that some of her associates were assaulted during the protest.
The court’s decision to hear the petition highlights ongoing tensions surrounding safety and justice issues in West Bengal.