AS public outrage intensifies over the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar hospital, Bengal is grappling with a disturbing rise in rape cases, revealing a troubling culture that has developed under the TMC rule. These incidents reveal a stark reality: women of all ages are increasingly at risk, reflecting a concerning trend of lawlessness and violence against women in the state. Moreover, the CBI's slow investigation and perceived lack of urgency are stoking public anger, leading to heightened protests demanding justice, safety, and accountability.

JAYNAGAR

The discovery of a 9-year-old girl's body in a pond on October 5 sent shockwaves through the Jaynagar and Kultali areas of West Bengal. The young student had been missing since returning from tuition earlier that day, and her tragic death sparked deep outrage and sorrow within the community. Notably, the victim's home in Kundakhali-Godabar village, located near the residence of the local Trinamool MLA. The incident ignited widespread protests, with villagers accusing both the local police of negligence and Trinamool Congress MLA Ganesh Chandra Mandal of hindering the investigation. The victim's family claims their initial pleas for assistance were ignored by the police, who failed to act promptly.

As news of the girl's tragic death spread, tensions reached a boiling point. Furious crowds gathered at the Mahishmari police outpost, vandalizing property and setting it ablaze. The situation escalated into violent clashes between protesters and police, who used tear gas and batons to disperse the angry mob. While the alleged perpetrator, Mostakin Sardar, was eventually apprehended, the community's demand for justice remained unfulfilled. Protesters continued to call for accountability from authorities, their voices resonating with shared grief and outrage.

Adding to the tension, reports surfaced that the local MLA had threatened to retaliate against the protesting villagers by filing false police reports. Meanwhile, the young victim's body was transferred from Padmerhat Hospital in Jaynagar to the Kantapukur morgue in Mominpur for a post-mortem examination. A delegation of prominent left leaders, including Himagnaraj Bhattacharya, all-India secretary of DYFI, state secretary Minakshi Mukherjee, and president Dhrubajyoti Saha, youth leader Kalatan Dasgupta, South 24 Parganas district secretary Somnath Ghosh, state secretary of All India Democratic Women’s Association Kaninika Ghosh, and South 24 Parganas district secretary Monalisa Sinha, arrived at the hospital to offer condolences and support to the grieving family. However, their attempts to enter the hospital were blocked by police, leading to a tense confrontation and scuffle.

Leaders from SFI, DYFI, and AIDWA, including SFI all India joint secretary Dipsita Dhar, Kolkata district president Barnana Mukherjee, secretary Didhiti Roy, and youth leader Bikash Jha, bravely held their ground at the Kantapukur Morgue. Their mission was to prevent police interference with crucial evidence in the young girl's case. Despite facing a brutal police attack, these leaders and the protesting citizens remained resolute in their demand for a thorough investigation and justice. This shocking incident has sparked a public outcry, raising significant concerns about the safety of women and the effectiveness of law enforcement throughout the state. It has also laid bare the deep-rooted frustration and anger that continues to simmer within the community.

The following day, a delegation of SFI and DYFI leaders visited the victim's family to express their solidarity and assure them that the fight for justice would continue until the perpetrators were held accountable. They then joined villagers in a demonstration at the local police station, amplifying the community's demand for accountability.

JATRAGACHHI

In a shocking parallel incident, another minor girl has come forward with harrowing allegations of rape in Jatragachhi, near Newtown. The victim's mother has filed a complaint with the Newtown police station, accusing a neighbour of repeatedly raping her daughter under threats and intimidation. The accused allegedly threatened to kill the young girl if she dared to speak out, leaving her trapped in a terrifying cycle of abuse.

As news of this heinous crime spread rapidly through the Vivekananda Palli neighbourhood of Jatragachhi-Keshtopur, enraged residents took matters into their own hands, vandalising the accused's home. Tensions escalated into a full-blown clash with the police as they attempted to intervene, highlighting the community's deep anger and frustration. While the accused has since been arrested, local residents are accusing the local Trinamool party of providing political cover and facilitating the rapist's escape. This perceived complicity has further fueled public outrage, leading to the violent outburst against the accused's property. Leaders from SFI, DYFI, and AIDWA visited the victim's family, offering their support, including legal assistance. They demanded exemplary punishment for the accused and assured the family that they would continue to advocate for justice.

PATASHPUR

A wave of protests has swept through Bhuban Mangalpur village in the Patashpur-I block of East Medinipur district following the controversial release of a local Trinamool leader accused of raping and murdering a housewife on October 6. Leaders from SFI, DYFI, and AIDWA joined outraged villagers to demand justice for the victim. The protest movement is rapidly gaining momentum, with an increasing number of people joining the cause.

Villagers assert that, despite substantial evidence against the accused, he was inexplicably released from custody, raising serious concerns about potential political interference in the case. The growing outcry calls for a thorough and impartial investigation into this horrific crime.

Amidst numerous incidents unfolding in West Bengal, the cry for ‘Justice for RG Kar’ remains resolute. Thousands have taken to the streets across the state, demanding justice for RG Kar. Rallies have been led by SFI, DYFI, and AIDWA, mobilising communities in their pursuit of accountability and justice.

During each day of Durga Puja, the parents of the victim, Tilottama/Abhaya, set up a protest stage in front of their home and held a sit-in. They called on the people of the state to join them in their fight for justice. In response, SFI, DYFI as well as AIDWA leaders visited Tilottama/Abhaya’s home to express their solidarity.

The leaders spent hours engaging with Tilottoma's family, listening to their struggles and offering support. In a heartfelt message, the family expressed their gratitude, saying, "Your fight is inspiring us. Your presence gives us the strength to continue our struggle for justice." The leaders reassured the family that they would not rest until justice was served.

JUNIOR DOCTORS

The Junior Doctors' Front (JDF) initially suspended their strike and resumed duties, but government's inaction forced them to escalate their protest. They began a sit-in demonstration at Dharmatala, followed by a fast unto death, as their health began to deteriorate. The government's lack of response ignited widespread outrage, leading to mass resignations among senior doctors and support from private hospitals. The movement drew significant public backing, with citizens and celebrities gathering at the protest site. On the auspicious day of Maha Ashtami during Durga Puja, a large crowd joined the junior doctors' rally. Numerous Left activists, supporters, and leaders gathered at the sit-in to show their solidarity with those on hunger strike. As night fell, countless people illuminated the area with their mobile flashlights, creating a powerful visual statement of support for the junior doctors' cause.

The JDF's fight for justice continues, with demands including the immediate removal of Health Secretary NS Nigam, accountability for administrative failures, increased police protection in hospitals, and several other demands. The hunger strike has now entered its sixth agonising day, with three doctors in critical condition in the ICU. Yet, the government remains unmoved, refusing to engage in meaningful dialogue about the protesters' ten-point demands. The chief secretary’s sporadic emails provide only empty promises, lacking the authority of official government decrees. In a powerful display of solidarity, senior doctors statewide have submitted mass resignations, denouncing the government’s indifference toward their junior colleagues. Many have warned that the government’s callousness may push them to adopt even more drastic measures.

The hunger strike has not only spread to Kolkata but also to North Bengal Medical College. In a desperate attempt to undermine the protest, the Trinamool initially mocked the demonstrators and later pressured their parents to convince them to end the strike. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee's administration arrested nine young activists for shouting slogans for justice at a Puja pandal. Later, left lawyers intervened, fighting a legal battle in the High Court to secure their release on bail. These events have awakened public awareness of the Trinamool government's failures in education, healthcare, and law enforcement, exposing it as a hub of corruption, and they are not willing to tolerate any democratic protest against it.