Protests Erupt in West Bengal Over Women’s Safety Concerns
Kolkata, June 30, 2025, – Protests swept across West Bengal on Sunday, June 29, 2025, as citizens and various groups demanded action following a series of violent incidents against women. The demonstrations, including a significant march in Gariahat organized by Abhaya Manch, highlighted cases such as the rape and murder of Tilottama at RG Kar Medical College, the killing of 9-year-old Tamanna Khatun in Kaliganj, and a recent gang-rape at South Kolkata 'Law' College.
The Gariahat march, which began Sunday evening, drew thousands who carried torches and displayed signs, including multilingual messages like "আইনের বিরুদ্ধে" (Against the Law), symbolizing their call for justice. The event follows the controversial bail granted to former RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh and ex-police officer Abhijit Mondal on November 11, 2024, after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) failed to file a chargesheet within 90 days. This decision has intensified public scrutiny of the ongoing investigations.
Parallel protests included a sit-in by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) in Nadia, lasting from 10 AM Sunday to 7 PM Monday, focusing on Tamanna’s case, where nine individuals have been arrested. In Kolkata suburbs, the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and other groups also gathered, with some reports of minor clashes with police. These actions reflect widespread concern, underscored by 2022 National Crime Records Bureau data indicating a 28.5% conviction rate for rape cases in India.
Authorities have not yet issued an official response, and the political implications remain unclear as the protests continue into Monday. The public’s use of historical protest symbols, reminiscent of the 2012 Nirbhaya demonstrations, suggests a growing demand for systemic change.
