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The 'Justice for RG Kar' movement, born out of the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College on August 9th, has taken a stark turn. What initially resonated as a widespread call for justice from citizens across Kolkata has become increasingly entangled in political agendas. The sheer number of political demonstrations, including a 12-hour BJP bandh, has overshadowed the original citizen-driven momentum.
The Wednesday bandh, a familiar tactic in Kolkata's political landscape, showcased this shift. While party supporters attempted to enforce the shutdown, many citizens defied the bandh, opting to carry on with their daily lives. Others stayed home for safety, highlighting the anxieties and disruptions that accompany such political maneuvers. This demonstrates the dichotomy citizens face – navigating the demands of daily life amidst the backdrop of escalating political action.
The defiance exhibited by junior doctors, who marched to Esplanade despite the bandh, underscores their unwavering commitment to seeking justice for their colleague. The doctors' march, while met with clashes between police and BJP workers, highlighted the struggle to balance the pursuit of justice with the practicalities of daily life. Upasana Munshi Karar, a lawyer, articulated this sentiment, stating, 'As a mother of two daughters, I feel insecure about their future after the RG Kar crime and want punishment for the culprits at the earliest. At the same time, we have to carry on with our work and cannot let bandhs disrupt our daily life.' This complex interplay of fear, grief, and the need for normalcy underscores the challenges faced by citizens in the midst of political upheavals.
The 'Justice for RG Kar' movement serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between citizen activism, political maneuvering, and the pursuit of justice. As the movement evolves, the question remains: will the original call for justice, rooted in collective grief and the desire for accountability, be lost amidst the growing political noise?
Source: Kolkata Horror: Citizens' movement now overshadowed by politics