Kolkata, Sep 09 (V7N) — A month after the brutal murder of Tilottma at RG Kar Hospital, Kolkata, which shocked India with its sheer brutality, protests continue to grip the state of West Bengal. On Sunday, citizens of various districts, including Kolkata, observed a ‘Rat Abhab’ (night vigil) programme, demanding justice for the slain student. The protests, which began from the victim's home, saw men and women forming human chains along the streets, chanting for justice.

Marches and slogans filled the streets on Monday evening, with protesters forming a human chain from Tilottma's residence in North 24 Parganas to the hospital where her body was found. One person has been arrested in connection with the murder, but questions remain about whether others were involved in the heinous act. The entire state and country await answers.

Following the second hearing in the Supreme Court on Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the ongoing unrest in a press conference at Navanna. She urged the protesters to return home in light of the upcoming Durga Puja festivities, asking them to consider the elderly and those affected by the nightly protests.

“If you stay on the streets every night, it causes problems for many people. Some areas have elderly residents who have difficulty sleeping with the lights and noise. Although the Pollution Control Board restricts the use of microphones after 10 pm, we’ve made exceptions,” Mamata said. She further appealed, “It’s been a month now. Please, return to the festivities, come back for Durga Puja.”

Mamata also urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to expedite the trial, pushing for a swift resolution to the case.

Addressing the international attention on the incident, Mamata expressed concern over Bengal’s image being tarnished globally. She criticised groups for spreading misinformation, stating, “Those who have grown up in Bengal and now live elsewhere are speaking ill of Bengal based on one-sided stories. They need to remember that Bangladesh is a different country, and India is separate. We respect Bangladesh and its people, but this case is about Bengal.”

Regarding the resignation of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, Mamata clarified that he had offered to resign multiple times, even seven days prior. However, she persuaded him to stay on until the Durga Puja celebrations, stating that anyone in charge must understand law and order during such a sensitive period.

As the public's demand for justice grows louder, the state government faces the challenge of maintaining peace and ensuring a swift trial to address the deep-rooted grievances surrounding Tilottma’s tragic death.

END/AJ/SMA