Kolkata saw another historic and unprecedented protest with a 42 km torch procession organized by Nagrik Manch, demanding justice for Abhaya. The rally, which started from Highland Park and ended at Shyambazar, saw participation from thousands, including people from all walks of life—children, the elderly, and the differently-abled, as well as men and women.
Even prominent Tollywood actresses joined the cause, adding to the movement’s visibility. As the procession progressed, more people joined by passing the torch from one hand to the next, allowing the rally to grow larger as it moved forward. The demand for justice comes after the brutal atrocity that Abhaya faced at RG Kar on August 9.
This torch rally follows a series of previous protests, including the “Reclaim The Night” movement and human chain protests spanning 23 to 32 kilometers. The scale and spirit of this rally reflect the determination of the people of Kolkata to seek justice and bring attention to the need for action in the wake of such atrocities.