On a somber Wednesday night, tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Kolkata, participating in a “Reclaim the Night” march to protest against the recent horrific rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College. This outpouring of anger and grief highlighted the pervasive fear and outrage that has gripped the city—and the country—following the brutal attack.
A Community United in Grief and Protest– Kolkata
The march, which was predominantly led by women, was not just a call for justice but a defiant stand against the systemic violence that women continue to face in public spaces. The victim, who had been working tirelessly to save lives, became the latest symbol of a nation’s struggle against gender-based violence.
Among the protestors was 27-year-old Devalina Bose, an intern at the same hospital where the victim worked. Her participation in the march was driven by a deep sense of personal loss and a desire to reclaim a sense of safety in her workplace.
Devalina’s Voice: A Personal Struggle with Fear
Devalina shared her thoughts with the BBC, providing a poignant insight into the emotional turmoil that she and many others are experiencing:
“I’m still traumatized by what happened to the victim. I struggle to sleep at night. I keep thinking about how just three weeks back, I had taken a short nap in a room just a few meters away from where the rape and murder happened. I was tired that night after being on my feet for hours and I just wanted to take a nap. But the room didn’t have a lock and so I couldn’t bolt the door shut. I was alone in the room and, for a second, I worried about my safety.”
This haunting memory is now a source of constant fear for Devalina, who finds herself increasingly vigilant and anxious during her shifts. The brutal reality of what happened to her colleague has shattered her sense of security, leaving her—and many others—questioning how such a heinous crime could occur in what should be a safe environment.
The March: A Powerful Symbol of Resistance
Despite her fears, Devalina felt compelled to join the protest, even against her parents’ wishes. She believed it was important to stand up for the right of women to occupy public spaces without fear:
“My parents didn’t want me to participate in the march because they were worried about my safety. But I told them that they should encourage me instead, because women have the right to be out in the streets at night and to feel safe. We have a right to the night like anybody else.”
The march was a powerful display of unity and resistance. Women of all ages—grandmothers, mothers, daughters—came together, holding placards, candles, and chanting slogans for justice. Others walked silently, perhaps overwhelmed by the gravity of the moment. The participation of so many generations underscored the deep-rooted desire for change and the end of victim-blaming in society.
A Call for Accountability
The collective outrage expressed in the “Reclaim the Night” march reflects a growing demand for accountability. Devalina’s words resonate with a broader societal shift, as more people begin to question the misplaced blame often directed at victims of gender-based violence:
“Often in our society, many people tend to blame the victim. They say ‘why was she out with a guy?’ or ‘why was she wearing that dress?’ or ‘why was she out at that hour in the night?’ It is reprehensible to hold a woman accountable for the man’s actions in any case. Now many of us are wondering who will people blame? It’s time we as a society took a step back and asked ourselves this question: whose fault is rape, really?”
A Moment for Reflection and Change
As Kolkata and the rest of India continue to grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy, the “Reclaim the Night” march stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight for women’s safety and rights. It is a call to dismantle the culture of victim-blaming and to address the root causes of violence against women.
Devalina’s participation, like that of so many others, is a testament to the resilience and determination of those who refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice. This march is not just a protest—it is a powerful assertion of the right to live without fear, to occupy public spaces freely, and to demand a safer, more just society.
