One Year On: RG Kar Mourns, Seeks Justice For Abhaya; Security Tightened Ahead Of Nabanno Gherao

Last Updated:August 08, 2025, 12:49 IST

The shocking incident resonated across the nation, sparking widespread protests and demonstrations as citizens demanded justice.

A protest stage still stands on the premises of RG Kar, symbolising the ongoing demand for justice for Abhaya. (Image: News18)

One year ago, a young and dynamic medical practitioner completed a gruelling 36-hour duty and went to rest, only to fall victim to a brutal rape and murder in the seminar hall of RGKAR Medical College. The shocking incident resonated across the nation, sparking widespread protests and demonstrations as citizens demanded justice. The Supreme Court took suo motu notice of the case, transferring the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Kolkata Police arrested Sanjay Roy, a police civic volunteer, who was subsequently identified as the prime accused by the CBI. After a lengthy trial, Roy was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, the victim’s family remains unconvinced that only one person was responsible for the crime, insisting that others must have been involved.

Today at RGKAR Medical College, heightened security is evident. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) now patrols the gates and college grounds alongside a heavy Kolkata Police presence—measures put in place following Abhaya’s tragic death. A protest stage still stands on the premises, symbolising the ongoing demand for justice. Inside the building, a statue of Abhaya serves as a somber reminder of the tragedy. Despite the passage of one year, the pain of that fateful night lingers at RGKAR.

The aftermath of the incident prompted junior doctors nationwide to demand greater workplace safety. Some changes have followed, including the installation of CCTV cameras and the creation of rest areas within hospitals. Nevertheless, many doctors argue that these modifications are inadequate and that women continue to feel unsafe in medical institutions.

Dr Aniket Mahato, a prominent student activist who fasted during the protests, told News18, “We fought, and our movement continues because we believe multiple people were involved. Agencies owe us an explanation of the motive behind this crime. Yes, CCTV cameras are up and CISF is present. Rest rooms have been made, but their facilities are lacking. RGKAR has seen some changes; other colleges still fall short. Abhaya’s fight is far from over. We’ll hold torch rallies on campus and in Shyambazar on Friday and Saturday, but we won’t join the secretariat gherao due to political involvement. Abhaya’s parents will join, and we respect their decision."

Another doctor, Soumyadipta, added, “We still don’t believe Sanjay Roy acted alone. Our movement exposed the conduct of Sandip Ghosh and others on campus. The changes are mostly superficial; our female colleagues remain afraid at RGKAR. If that’s the state here, security is surely a major concern at other colleges as well."

Nabanno Gherao on August 9

On August 9, Abhaya’s parents and the Paschim Bango Chatra Samaj have called for a ‘secretariat gherao’. Speaking to News18 exclusively, Abhaya’s parents said, “The case initially was with State Government and Kolkata Police was investigating it. Mamata Banerjee’s department tried to cover up things. We don’t believe that one person was involved in this. Whoever has felt for our daughter, our appeal is that they should come and for Nabanno March with us. There is no politics in this. All political parties are invited. We all will protest against Mamata Banerjee."

Political leaders Suvendu Adhikary and Samik Bhattacharya have backed their march to Nabanno. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh, however, hit out at the Opposition over the march.

Last year’s rally organised by Paschim Bango Chatra Samaj became violent, so this time extensive security measures are in place. Junior doctors have chosen not to participate in the rally, citing political overtones, but say they will not stop anyone else from joining. Abhaya’s parents are expected to take part in the demonstration.

The campus remains marked by grief and a continuing quest for justice, as students and medical professionals press for real and lasting change.

Kamalika Sengupta

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East...Read More

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East...

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August 08, 2025, 12:49 IST

News india One Year On: RG Kar Mourns, Seeks Justice For Abhaya; Security Tightened Ahead Of Nabanno Gherao

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