Journalist Caught Amid Violence During Anti-Violence Protests

Quick Summary

• Incident at R.G. Kar Hospital: In August 2024, unidentified miscreants invaded and vandalized the premises of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata during protests against the rape and murder of a doctor within the hospital a year earlier.
• Violent Mob: Over 100 men, some intoxicated, broke barricades and attacked protesters, hospital staff, and police personnel stationed there. The police fled underprepared too handle the mob; some officers were injured.
• Journalist Experience: A reporter recounts pleading for shelter on campus as mobs targeted hiding individuals with violence. she was eventually shielded by students in a seminar hall for hours until safety could be assured.
• south Calcutta Law College Protest: In June 2025, another protest against women’s safety escalated into violence as political workers clashed with agitating students using gendered abuse and physical attacks.
• Police Absence: Both instances highlighted insufficient law enforcement presence during protests addressing sensitive issues of sexual violence.

Indian opinion Analysis

The alarming trend of escalating violence during protests concerning crimes against women reflects critical gaps in safeguarding public spaces in India-especially places like hospitals or universities that should symbolize security rather than fear.these incidents expose vulnerabilities at multiple levels: inadequate policing amid known risks associated with such gatherings,societal mistrust heightened by chaotic scenarios,and journalists navigating dangerous conditions despite their vital role in reporting these events.

For India to ensure meaningful dialog on women’s safety without derailment into aggression or chaos, improved crowd-control protocols alongside synchronized community-police efforts may be essential measures going forward. Equally significant is fostering civic trust through proactive de-escalation strategies aimed at maintaining orderly demonstrations while protecting all involved parties-protesters exercising their rights to demand justice as well as professionals carrying out frontline documentation.

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