In a powerful show of solidarity, senior Trinamool Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray has announced that he will participate in a midnight protest against the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The protest, which will begin at 11:55 PM, aims to highlight the urgent need for action against violence towards women.
Ray, a veteran politician, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to declare his intention to join the demonstration. “Tomorrow I am going to join the protesters particularly because I’ve a daughter and little granddaughter like millions of Bengali families. We must rise to the occasion. Enough of cruelty against women. Let’s resist together. Come what may,” he posted late last night.
The 75-year-old MP, who has been a member of the Upper House of Parliament since 2011 and has served as the Deputy Leader of the Trinamool Congress in the Rajya Sabha, responded firmly to concerns about his political future.
When an X user suggested that he might be expelled from the party for protesting against his own government, Ray replied, “Please need not worry for my fate. Blood of a freedom fighter flows in my veins. I’m least bothered.”
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The midnight protest has gained significant traction, with women from Kolkata and across West Bengal planning to take to the streets in a demonstration described as “For women’s independence on the midnight of independence.” The protest is being organized to draw attention to the horrifying incident that has shocked the city and the nation.
Posters with protest locations are being widely circulated on social media, with more sites being added as the movement grows. The protest has also garnered support from men, who plan to join in large numbers to show their solidarity with the cause.
One of the many posters in support of the midnight protest that appeared on social media platforms calling people, mainly women, to claim the night
Prominent figures, including actor Swastika Mukherjee, actor Churni Ganguly, and filmmaker Pratim D. Gupta, have called on people to participate in the gathering at the most convenient locations.
The tragic incident in question occurred at the state-run hospital where the doctor was found dead on Friday morning in a seminar hall. The victim had suffered injuries to her eyes, face, mouth, neck, limbs, and private parts. The incident has sparked outrage and demands for justice across the state.
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Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer who was frequently seen at the hospital, has been arrested in connection with the crime. The investigation into the case has now been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following an order from the Calcutta High Court.
The court noted serious lapses in the hospital’s administration and expressed concern over the potential destruction of evidence. “Even after five days, there have been no significant conclusions which should have happened by now. Therefore, we are justified that there is every possibility that evidence will be destroyed. We deem it appropriate that the case must be transferred to CBI with immediate effect,” the court stated.
As the midnight protest draws near, the people of West Bengal are preparing to stand together in a united front against the violence that claimed the life of a young doctor and to demand a safer environment for all women.
