Activist Rimjhim Sinha Reflects on Shock of Victim’s Mother Running for BJP after RG Kar Tragedy

Rimjhim Sinha, a dedicated activist hailing from Kolkata, has become a formidable voice in the women’s rights movement since her university days in 2016. Initially, her activism impacted a modest circle of about 100-150 individuals. However, everything changed dramatically on August 14, 2024, when she called for a mass rally termed ‘raat dakhal’ or ‘reclaim the night.’ What started as a local initiative blossomed into a nationwide response, drawing thousands of women from across West Bengal and beyond.

The catalyst for this massive turnout was a heartbreaking case of sexual violence that shook Kolkata—the rape and murder of a young trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The victim was on the night shift when the crime occurred, igniting a wave of outrage among the public. In the wake of this tragedy, Sinha’s rally aimed to empower women to reclaim public spaces that they felt were becoming increasingly unsafe.

In the lead-up to the rally, former principal Sandip Ghosh had sparked controversy by attributing blame to the victim for her presence in a seminar room late at night. This insensitive comment galvanized Sinha and many others to take action. They voiced their condemnation and called for women to take back the night. The rally exceeded all expectations, and Sinha was astonished by the overwhelming support, which she believes gave the victim’s mother, Ratna Debnath, a renewed sense of hope.

Ratna Debnath, the mother of the deceased, expressed her gratitude to Sinha for rallying the community to stand against gender-based violence. Inspired by the collective outcry, she expressed her desire to join Sinha in organizing another rally. However, the situation took a surprising turn when news emerged that Debnath would be contesting in the upcoming elections on a BJP ticket.

Sinha, reflecting on this development, admitted to feeling “shocked and shattered.” She struggled to reconcile the image of a grieving mother rallying against injustice with the decision to run for a political party that some perceive as controversial. This unexpected twist raises questions about the intersection of personal tragedy and political ambition, particularly in a country where gender issues hold significant weight. As the nation watches, Sinha continues to advocate for women’s rights, urging for reforms and a safer environment for all.

Source: scroll.in