TMC Leader Sukhendu Sekhar to Join Midnight Protest Over Kolkata Doctor’s Rape and Murder

GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 14th August. Senior Trinamool Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray has announced his decision to join a midnight protest over the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The veteran politician made the announcement on the social media platform X, emphasizing his personal connection to the cause.

“Tomorrow, I am going to join the protesters particularly because I have a daughter and little granddaughter like millions of Bengali families. We must rise to the occasion. Enough of cruelty against women. Let’s resist together. Come what may,” Ray declared in his post late last night.

In response to concerns raised by an X user about potential repercussions from his party, Ray, undeterred, stated, “Please need not worry for my fate. Blood of a freedom fighter flows in my veins. I’m least bothered.” The 75-year-old has been a member of the Upper House of Parliament since 2011 and has served as Deputy Leader of the Trinamool Congress in the House.

The protest, scheduled to begin at 11:55 p.m., has been widely publicized as a demonstration “For women’s independence on the midnight of independence.” Women across Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal are expected to take to the streets in large numbers to demand justice for the slain doctor.

Social media platforms have been flooded with posters and messages urging participation, with new protest locations being added as momentum builds. Men are also joining the movement in a show of solidarity, with prominent figures such as actor Swastika Mukherjee, actor Churni Ganguly, and filmmaker Pratim D. Gupta urging people to take part in the midnight gatherings.

The city of Kolkata has been shaken by the horrific crime. The doctor, who was on night duty, was found dead on Friday morning in a seminar hall at the state-run hospital in the northern part of the city. Her body bore multiple injuries, including to her eyes, face, mouth, neck, limbs, and private parts. Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer frequently seen at the hospital, has been arrested in connection with the crime.

In a significant development, the Calcutta High Court yesterday ordered the transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), citing serious lapses by the hospital administration and the possibility of evidence being destroyed.

“Even after five days, there have been no significant conclusions which should have happened by now. Therefore, we are justified that there is every possibility that evidence will be destroyed. We deem it appropriate that the case must be transferred to CBI with immediate effect,” the court stated.