Kolkata: Durga Puja pandal features installation symbolizing RG Kar victim
What's the story
A Durga Puja committee in Kolkata has erected a poignant installation at their pandal, themed "Lajja" or shame, depicting the trainee doctor who was raped and killed at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August.
The installation features Goddess Durga covering her face with her hands, symbolizing terror at witnessing atrocities against women.
Adjacent to this is a representation of the victim, depicted as a woman lying down wrapped in white cloth.
Symbolism
Installation details and symbolic elements explained
The installation was created by puja organizer Biswajit Sarkar as a form of protest against the horrific incident.
"We are protesting against the RG Kar...incident. As a symbolic protest, Goddess Durga is hiding her face with her hands as she is not able to see the violence against women," Sarkar told India Today TV.
The installation also features a doctor's coat with a stethoscope and a box with ₹500 note stuck on it, symbolizing government's scheme Lakshmi Bhandar.
Criticism
Sarkar criticizes state government and police over incident
Sarkar also criticized the state government and police over their handling of the incident.
He alleged that under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's rule, post-poll violence, rapes, and murders are happening.
"No woman is safe here. These welfare schemes are there just to divert the attention of people from actual realities," he added.
He further accused the police of corruption and filing false FIRs to allow accused individuals to go scot-free.
Controversy
'Abhaya' statue unveiled at RG Kar Hospital amid controversy
A day earlier, a statue titled "Cry of the Hour was unveiled on the premises of RG Kar Hospital.
The inscription on the pedestal explains that the statue depicts 'Abhaya,' who was subjected to "hellish brutality" at RG Kar on August 9.
However, this installation has faced criticism on social media with many deeming it "disrespectful" and "disturbing."
Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh also criticized doctors for revealing the victim's name and identity against Supreme Court guidelines.
Twitter Post
Statue at RG Kar
#justiceforAbhya
— Indian Doctor🇮🇳 (@Indian__doctor) October 2, 2024
"Cry of the Hour"
"The Agony, the Pain, the Suffering...
A poignant depiction of the unbearable trauma Abhaya endured
Today A #statue erected in memory of the rape and murder victim at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital"#MedTwitter #medX #rgkarprotest pic.twitter.com/Pek84iAsNj