‘The Fight Will Go On’: A Year After Abhaya’s Rape-Murder At RG Kar, Parents To Hold March Tomorrow

Last Updated:August 08, 2025, 15:41 IST

Abhaya's parents have called for a massive protest march to the West Bengal State Secretariat, Nabanna, on August 9 to demand answers from the government

RG Kar Case | File Image/PTI

One year after the tragic death of 26-year-old Abhaya at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, her grieving parents continue their relentless fight for justice.

In an emotional conversation with News18, they said they are determined to hold the state accountable and have now called for a massive protest march to the West Bengal State Secretariat, Nabanna, on August 9, to demand answers from the government.

Abhaya, a junior doctor, last spoke to her parents on August 8, 2024, saying her schedule was hectic. The next call they received was a distressing one from the hospital—initially stating she was ill, but later communicating that she had allegedly taken her own life.

“Since then, we have been fighting. Now we have called for the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ (Secretariat March) ourselves," said Abhaya’s father, with tears in his eyes. “Our daughter was under the State’s protection. The investigation was led by the Chief Minister herself at the time, along with senior health officials. From the start, they tried to cover up the case. Mamata Banerjee must answer for this."

Responding to allegations by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kunal Ghosh that political motives are behind their protest, Abhaya’s father lashed out: “He even sends me private messages. We have invited everyone — across political lines — to join the protest. Even TMC members who truly feel for Abhaya are welcome to be part of this movement."

When asked whether they believe justice has been served, both parents categorically denied it.

“There has been no proper investigation," said her father. “The CBI arrested Sandip Ghosh and an officer-in-charge for evidence tampering, but they failed to file a supplementary chargesheet. Why? We don’t believe only one person was involved in this crime. There’s a larger nexus that has been protected."

Her mother, too, expressed her anguish: “Was Abhaya without a guardian? From the very beginning, the State tried to suppress the truth. But we won’t stop. Our fight will go on."

Questioned about the CBI’s findings that implicated accused Sanjay Roy, she added, “We met CBI officials in Delhi. They have told us they are planning to close the case. We’ve told them to say that in court, not to us. What kind of agency gives up on justice? This is unacceptable."

As the family marks one painful year since Abhaya’s death, they remain resolute.

“Our daughter had given us everything and asked for nothing. She was our strength," said her father. “She never compromised on principles, and neither will we. We’ll continue this fight—not just for Abhaya, but for every daughter failed by the system."

With heavy hearts but unwavering determination, Abhaya’s parents are preparing to lead the Nabanna Abhijan, seeking answers, punishment for the guilty, and a promise that no other family will face such betrayal.

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, 15:37 IST

News india ‘The Fight Will Go On’: A Year After Abhaya’s Rape-Murder At RG Kar, Parents To Hold March Tomorrow

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