Missed parents’ presence, say ‘Abhaya Mancha’ protesters united by rakhi bond
Times of India | 10 August 2025
Kolkata: Thousands banded together under the banner of ‘Abhaya Mancha' at Hazra crossing and several neighbourhoods across the city on Saturday, using the rakhi as an emblem to tie up the protests against the brutal rape-murder of the young postgraduate trainee on R G Kar campus a year ago.
The main protest, which took place at the Hazra crossing on Saturday evening, started around 4 pm and ended around 7 pm, and saw the participation of 1,000 to 1,500 people. There were people from all walks of life, including students, medical practitioners, homemakers, and teachers, who raised slogans, sang songs, and drew graffiti to demand justice for the victim.
Many, though, said they missed the presence of the victim's parents. "We were expecting them to be here today on the anniversary of the incident but unfortunately, they could not turn up because of the injury. Their support and inspiration have been behind ‘Abhaya Mancha' throughout the year. Though the protest was a success, it still feels incomplete without their presence," said Aritra De, a protestor.
One of the main organisers, Dhritiman Sengupta, said, "Since Abhaya's parents were with us from the beginning, we went to see her mother at the hospital after the protest was over.
" Rights activist Rupsa Saha, who organised the rakhi-tying event across various parts in north Kolkata, said, "We are calling the rakhi an emblem of security and wanted to spread the message that we have to stay together in our fight for a safe and secure society.
" Tying of rakhi irrespective of caste, class, gender and religion took place in various areas such as Shyambazar, Sovabazar, College Street, Baguiati, New Town, Karunamoyee and Baisakhi in Salt Lake, Ruby More, Jadavpur, Garia, Naktala and Bansdroni.
Ellora Debnath, a filmmaker, said, "Within an hour, we tied 2,000 rakhis at Ruby More.
" Arindam Das said they were able to tie 300 rakhis at Karunamoyee, Baisakhi, and B D market from 10 am to noon.
Mother of Tamanna Khatun, who was killed in a bomb explosion during an alleged violent celebration of Kaliganj bypoll results, travelled from Nadia to participate in the Hazra protest. "I can feel the pain of Abhaya's parents. I am here to stand by them and demand justice for their daughter. I am also here to seek justice for my child," said Sabina Yasmin Sheikh.
Though the protestors had planned to march towards Kalighat, they did not engage in a stand-off after cops refused nod.
"We were able to tie 30,000 rakhis across various neighbourhoods in the city and 20,000 rakhis across the districts," said Gargy Roy, a teacher and member of ‘Abhaya Mancha'.
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