Kolkata Rape Case: East Bengal, Mohun Bagan Fans Come Together To Protest Outside Salt Lake Statdium

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In an unprecedented show of solidarity, fans from two of India's biggest football clubs, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, gathered at Salt Lake Stadium today to protest against the horrific rape and murder of a doctor from RG Kar Hospital.

Not just fans, but several Bengali actors and actresses have joined the supporters at the spot. Reportedly, Mohun Bagan captain Subhasish Bose along with his wife has also reached the spot. So has AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and everyone has iterated the same thing that this is entirely apolitical and everyone is there as football fans asking for justice for the victim.

The protest, which united thousands of passionate football fans from both clubs standing side by side, was timed to coincide with the much-anticipated Kolkata Derby, originally scheduled for August 18 as part of the Durand Cup group stage. The match was canceled, with officials citing security concerns as the primary reason.

However, the timing of the cancellation has led to widespread speculation that the derby was scrapped in an attempt to suppress the protests. Many fans, along with social media users, voiced concerns that authorities were trying to silence their collective voice.

On the morning of August 18, the government announced the implementation of Section 144 around Shyambajar and RG Kar Hospital, effectively prohibiting large gatherings in these areas. Despite this, the massive crowds made their way to Salt Lake Stadium in a show of defiance.

As the gathering swelled, police were dispatched to the scene and began to move the protesters back, wielding 'lathis' (batons). The police also picked up several supporters protesting in the streets and transported them away in police vans.

While authorities have attempted to clear the roads and disperse the crowds, many fans continue to protest, undeterred by the police presence and actions. The tension between law enforcement and protesters has escalated, with demonstrators resolutely holding their ground, waving their club flags and the Indian tricolor in defiance.

Supporters of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, typically fierce rivals, decided to join hands a few days ago for this cause during the Kolkata derby. Fans planned to show up to the stadium with banners, special jerseys, and even black jerseys during the derby to mourn the victim and demand accountability from the authorities.

However, after the derby was canceled, all fans decided to come to the stadium to protest. Adding to the crowd, fans from Mohammedan SC also joined the protest, waving their club's flags alongside those of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.

The protests have gained significant media attention, with news channels like ABP Ananda reporting that Kalyan Chaubey, the President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), is present at the Salt Lake Stadium to stand with the crowd.

Despite the cancellation of the derby and the imposition of Section 144, the protest has become a powerful symbol of unity and resistance in the face of injustice. As of now, the protesters remain determined to ensure that their voices are heard and that justice is served in the case of the Kolkata victim.