Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder: HC Grants BJP Permission for 5-Day Protest

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday (August 20) permitted the West Bengal BJP to hold a demonstration near Shyambazar metro station in the city for five days, from August 21 to protest against the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The state’s counsel requested that the demonstration be limited to one day, arguing that a five-day sit-in would disrupt public convenience.

The BJP’s lawyer, however, sought permission for a six-day demonstration starting Wednesday (August 21).

After considering both sides, Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj approved the BJP’s request for a five-day sit-in at the proposed venue, located approximately half a kilometer from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court stipulated that the demonstration be conducted with no more than 300 participants daily, from 12 noon to 9 pm, from Wednesday to Sunday.

The postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty at the state-run hospital on August 9. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, leading medics across the country to protest, calling for justice for the victim and better security measures at workplaces.

Following the Calcutta High Court’s order last week, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation from Kolkata Police. A civic volunteer has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the crime.