East Bengal-Mohun Bagan Demand Justice for Doctor’s Murder; ‘We Want Justice’ Chants Lead to Police Action

Fans of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal football clubs staged a protest at Hayat Crossing in Kolkata on Sunday, demanding justice for the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The protest led to clashes with the police, resulting in a baton charge. The demonstration caused a traffic jam on the EM Bypass, and the situation in the area remains tense with additional police forces deployed.

Nationwide Protests Continue

The brutal rape and murder of the female doctor have sparked protests across the country. Doctors from various hospitals have demanded strict punishment for the perpetrators. In response to the doctors’ protests, the Union Health Ministry has assured all necessary measures to ensure their safety and announced the formation of a committee dedicated to protecting healthcare professionals.

East Bengal-Mohun Bagan Fans Protest

Fans of the rival football clubs, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, gathered near Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday evening to protest against the incident at RG Kar Medical College. Despite concerns over law and order leading to the cancellation of the Durand Cup match between these two prominent clubs, fans still assembled outside the stadium, holding each other’s flags and chanting slogans for justice for the victim’s family. A large police force monitored the situation.

Some Protesters Detained

Supporters of another major football club, Mohammedan SC, also joined the protest later. The demonstration spread to the EM Bypass, causing further traffic disruptions, leading to the detention of several protesters. Although the police initially managed to disperse the crowd, a smaller group later reassembled and resumed chanting.

“Don’t We Have the Right to Demand Justice for the Victim?”

Bittu Senapati, a Mohun Bagan supporter, expressed frustration, saying, “We want justice for the sister who was brutally raped and murdered. We are peaceful supporters of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan SC. Why is there such a heavy police presence? Why was the match canceled? Don’t we have the right to demand justice for the victim?”

Intelligence Reports of Planned Violence

A senior police official explained that the match was canceled based on intelligence reports indicating attempts to incite violence during the game. “We received specific information that some groups were planning to cause disturbances at the stadium,” he said. With an expected attendance of 63,000 fans, the decision to cancel the match was made in the interest of public safety.

What Is the Case About?

The incident revolves around the mysterious death of a female trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The doctor was a second-year postgraduate student working in the Chest Medicine department. Her body was discovered on the fourth floor of the emergency building at the hospital. The case is currently under investigation by the CBI, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has directed that the case be fast-tracked. She has also indicated that the death penalty may be sought if necessary.