RG Kar victim’s parents call all parties except TMC for Aug 9 march; Police barricade Kona Expressway

On the first anniversary of the RG Kar rape-murder case, the parents of the victim, a postgraduate trainee doctor, have announced a protest march to Nabanna on August 9. They appealed to all political parties, except the ruling Trinamool Congress, to join the rally without flags or banners. The family said the rally would be peaceful and apolitical, marking one year since the death of their daughter, whom they allege has not received full justice.

The parents met with several political leaders including CPI(M) state secretary Md Salim, BJP state president Shamik Bhattacharya, and SUCI state secretary Chandidas Bhattacharya. They also visited Congress’s state office to invite president Subhankar Sarkar, though he was not present. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari had earlier stated that he would join the rally. SUCI representatives said they would support the movement but expressed concern that such rallies sometimes turn political.

Security measures have been intensified by Howrah City Police ahead of the rally. Large barricades are being set up on the Santragachi Kona Expressway, a key route to the state secretariat. Police have begun digging trenches along the expressway and installing iron beams, which are being reinforced with concrete to prevent large-scale movement. No police permission has been granted for the rally yet, though the organisers stated that they have submitted a request.

The victim's parents claim both Kolkata Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation have failed to deliver justice. They allege that the investigation did not identify all those involved in the crime. Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer, was convicted of rape and murder and sentenced to life imprisonment in January 2025. The parents believe others were also involved. The state government and CBI have appealed to the Calcutta High Court seeking capital punishment for Roy, who has filed a counter-appeal claiming innocence. The court will hear the matter in September.

Trinamool Congress general secretary Kunal Ghosh stated that while they sympathise with the family, their recent actions appear to be influenced by other forces. Over the past year, the victim’s parents have taken part in several protests demanding justice. Last year, during a similar protest, police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators en route to Nabanna.