NOT even the festive spirit of Durga Puja could overshadow the burning demand for justice in Kolkata. Left-wing student, youth and women’s organisations staged a massive rally in Dharmatala, braving heavy rains and police restrictions, to declare that the fight for justice will continue unabated. The rally, held on September 26th  afternoon, saw a massive turnout of young protesters who defied police orders and barricades. This show of strength was a clear message that the fight for justice would not be silenced, even amidst the festive fervour of Durga Puja.

Adding to the chorus for justice, a Congress demonstration was taking place nearby, demanding accountability. The Left-wing groups extended their support to this parallel protest, showcasing a united front against injustice. In a remarkable gesture of cooperation, Congress workers even turned down their loudspeakers during the Left's rally, ensuring their voices were heard loud and clear.

This united front, led by DYFI state secretary Meenakshi Mukherjee, state president Dhrubajyoti Saha, SFI state secretary Debanjan De, state president Pranay Karyi, and AIDWA state secretary Kaninika Ghosh, state president Jahanara Khan, sent a strong message to the authorities.

"We will not let the blood-stained eyes of Tilottoma be forgotten amidst the festivities," said Meenakshi Mukherjee and questioned why the police commissioner was resorting to repressive measures like Section 163 of BNS to stifle the protest voices.

Dhrubajyoti Saha's called for a united fight, urging the people of Bengal to carry this struggle to every village, neighbourhood, and polling booth. He also acknowledged the unwavering support from the local community in Shyambazar, where their continuous sit-in had garnered significant attention and empathy.

"Since 2011, a culture of fear and silence has been imposed on the people of this state," said Kaninika Ghosh. She further questioned the Trinamool Congress's stance against the "Manuvadi RSS" while shielding those responsible for Tilottama's death. Ghosh also criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party, stating, "The BJP, whose leaders garland rapists in Hathras, has no right to demand justice for Tilottama."

Debanjan De highlighted the threats and insecurity faced by female students on college campuses due to TMC's "threat culture." He challenged the government to hold student union elections, claiming it would expose the TMC's "threat syndicate”.

Other prominent speakers at the sit-in demonstration included Dipsita Dhar, SFI all India joint secretary, PSU leader Nawshad Mohammad Safiul, AIYF leader Bikram Bahadur, Agragami Mahila Samiti leader Dolly Roy, Paschimbanga Mahila Samiti leader Shyamasree Das, RYF leader Aditya Joardar, Youth League leader Samanway Biswas, Nikhilbanga Mahila Samiti leader Shikha Mukherjee, and AIYF leader Tapas Roy,

WAVES OF PROTEST

Public outrage over Abhaya's brutal rape and murder has erupted into a wave of protests, defying Trinamool Congress’s attempts to suppress dissent. Daily demonstrations in Kolkata and its suburbs are a constant thorn in Trinamool's side, exposing their growing anxiety. Dismissing the protests as "elite dissent" has spectacularly backfired, and police harassment has only fuelled the flames of public anger. Now in a last-ditch effort to control the narrative, Trinamool is desperately spreading a lie campaign that these passionate protests aim to disrupt the upcoming Durga Puja festivities. But the people are not swayed. It is becoming increasingly clear that this year's Durga Puja celebrations will be a powerful blend of tradition and protest as citizens demand justice for Abhaya.

On the eve of Mahalaya (October 2), the new moon day which heralds the advent of the Durga Puja on which many Hindus pay homage to their forefathers, Kolkata, along with various parts of the state, once again raised its voice for 'justice'. As October 1st evening descended, the night illuminated with the defiant glow of candles, torches, and mobile phone flashlights. From the heart of Kolkata to its suburbs, people, especially women, took to the streets, demanding justice for the young doctor brutally murdered and raped at RG Kar Hospital. The message is thus clear: this year's Durga Puja will not be a mere celebration” or “revelry”, but a solemn stand for humanity.

On Tuesday, a massive procession, with people from all walks of life, marched  a total distance of 8 km from College Square to Rabindra Sadan, carrying flexes proclaiming 'Abhaya is the embodiment of strength'. From seasoned activists to first-time protestors, the march bridged divides and rewrote the rules of engagement. The streets reverberated with slogans, songs, and the unwavering spirit of resistance. This isn't just another protest march; it was a symphony of voices, a tapestry of ages, genders, and backgrounds, united in their cry for justice and change. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows on the city's iconic landmarks, the marchers' voices rose in unison, their slogans echoing through the streets, a powerful reminder that justice delayed is justice denied. From the young to the old, from every walk of life, they came together, their hearts ablaze with a common purpose. This was a movement that transcended boundaries, a testament to the power of unity and the unwavering spirit of the human heart.

In a powerful display of unity, Kolkata's streets surged with impassioned protesters, their voices echoing through the city. This was no ordinary march; it was a spontaneous eruption of anger and grief, fuelled by a shared demand for justice. From students and professors to rickshaw pullers and doctors, people from all walks of life poured onto the roads, transcending social barriers. Their message was clear: the brutal murder of a young woman would not be tolerated, and those responsible must be held accountable. The atmosphere crackled with energy as mobile phone lights illuminated the night, symbolizing the city's unwavering resolve. This was not just a protest; it was a collective awakening, a refusal to remain silent in the face of injustice.

Kolkata's streets roared with the voices of the marginalised and the powerful, united in their pursuit of justice. The city's message reverberated far beyond its borders, a clarion call for a society free from violence and impunity. Many prominent figures, including CPI (M) state secretary Mohammad Salim, Polit Bureau member Surya Mishra and state Congress president Subhankar Sarkar, participated in the protest march. 

By nightfall, it was evident that this courageous spirit of protest had spread like wildfire across the state. In Jadavpur, cultural protests began on October 1st evening, with artists, academics, and citizens participating in an event called 'We Haven't Forgotten Tilottama', organised by Jadavpur Puratani O Sanskriti. The streets of Jadavpur 8B Bus Stand echoed with slogans like 'Abhaya we are here, we will not leave the streets. Your bloodshot eyes will be the torches in the dark night.' As darkness fell, women in North Kolkata's Shyambazar also initiated their protest demonstrations.

Similarly, from Sodepur in the north to Jadavpur in the south of Kolkata, people have taken to the streets, their voices echoing with songs and slogans of protest, brimming with unwavering strength. Announcing a massive gathering on Mahalaya, the crowds have already begun to assemble in Sodepur since last night. The protestors have declared their intent to occupy the streets from dusk till dawn, ensuring that even Mahalaya's sunrise will witness their unwavering presence. As the protest march arrived at Sinthi the earlier night, the participants staged a sit-in, effectively blocking the BT Road.

Meanwhile, similar protests have ignited in the districts, setting the night ablaze. In Chandannagar, Hooghly, students and citizens alike have taken to the streets, occupying the night in a show of solidarity. In Srirampur and Baidyabati, preparations are underway for the dawn occupation of Mahalaya. In Medinipur city, protestors have gathered at College More, commencing a 'Timir Binashi Ratri Japon' (vigil to destroy darkness) from dusk till dawn in front of the statue of Rabindra Nath Tagore. Various organisations in Cooch Behar have also planned a dawn occupation on Mahalaya. The Cooch Behar Musical Community has announced that before the break of dawn, the streets will be adorned with paintings, posters, and resonate with songs and street plays. In Kadamtala, Jalpaiguri city, a protest rally was held on October 2nd evening. From Mahalaya onwards, the wave of protests in West Bengal is poised to take on a new form, potentially overshadowing Mamata Banerjee's envisioned 'festival' of merrymaking, enjoyment and selfish rejoicing.

In certain areas of Kolkata, Trinamool Congress, spearheaded by its municipal councillors, has resorted to deploying hooligans to unleash violent attacks, aiming to stifle these protests. However, this thuggish behaviour has only served to strengthen the resolve of the people. As a result, protest marches took place in those very areas on October 2nd, the Mahalaya day.