Female protestors attacked, car vandalized near Exide More while returning from rally

Kolkata has seen a sustained wave of protests since the death of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024. The protests have intensified as demonstrators demand justice and accountability regarding the circumstances surrounding the doctor’s death. On the night of November 4, 2024, an incident occurred involving female protestors returning from the "Droher Alo" (Light of Rebellion) rally, which had drawn attention to their cause. The attack happened near Exide crossing at approximately midnight.

As the protestors were making their way back from Rashbehari to Exide crossing, they reported being followed by a group of individuals. Eyewitnesses claim that the protestors' vehicles were tailed for a significant distance before they were blocked near Exide crossing. The protestors reported having two cars involved in their group, with one vehicle being the primary target of the assailants. The car sustained substantial damage, with reports indicating that the windows were smashed after attempts to open the doors failed.

According to statements from the protestors, the group that attacked them displayed aggressive behavior, leading to physical assaults against both male and female participants. The assailants reportedly shouted threats and attempted to drag protestors out of the vehicle. In the aftermath of the incident, some participants suffered minor injuries but did not require hospitalization. The protestors assert that the violence was aimed specifically at them due to their involvement in the ongoing demonstrations.

Following the attack, the protestors first approached the Maidan police station to report the incident. After being advised to file a formal complaint, they subsequently went to the Shakespeare Sarani police station, where they detailed their experiences and provided information about the assailants. The complaints included descriptions of the attackers and the events leading up to the assault, and a case was registered for investigation.