Monica G, 30Second-year postdoctoral trainee at SSKM HospitalCame to: Academy of Fine Arts

From: Bhowanipore (her parents live in Karnataka)

After this RG Kar incident, my parents have told me to give me regular updates about where I am. At 30, I would have otherwise thought this was not needed. Not anymore. My parents have also told me to ensure that there are people around me when I am on night duty.

There was a serious lapse in security at RG Kar and the administration is answerable as to why it couldn’t provide a safe place to a woman at work.

Sumana Bagchi, 42

Psychologist

Came to: Jadavpur 8B bus stand

From: Alipore

We have to train our children. They need education about sex, which is still a taboo. It should happen at institutions and homes. They need to know about masturbation and private parts. Without sexual education at the grassroots level, these brutalities will not stop.

Paramita Chowdhury, 46

Social worker

Came to: Jadavpur 8B bus stand

From: Bijaygarh

I have come here because enough is enough. I don’t know how many more such deaths it would take for things to change. Every time I read or watch something about the RG Kar incident, I feel wounded. I feel the pain of many injuries inflicted on me. The cover-up bid is as brutal as the incident itself. The source of these crimes is authority. I have come here to stand up to authority. The movement must not lose momentum. All crimes should be tried in court.

Risha Paul, 24Doing her MPhilCame to: College Street

From: Ultadanga

We have been taught that it is unsafe for women at night. My question is why? I have joined today’s event because it marks a woman’s freedom at night. Why should a woman feel unsafe at night?

We commute on public transport. Today, I took the night Metro to reach here. Should I feel insecure at night? I am tired... so many incidents are happening one after another. When will this change? There was an attempt to hush up this incident politically. But we will not let that happen.

Kakoli Mitra Bagchi, 54

Lawyer

Came to: Academy of Fine Arts

From: Howrah

Today, when so many of us have gathered here, this place seems safe. But is it actually safe for women on other nights? What future are we leaving for our next generation? My daughter is a college student and my predominant instinct is to stand in support of another mother. It is scary to think that she speaks to her mother and after some time she is gone. I have never participated in any agitation so far, but today I feel that I had to take to the streets. We have to raise our voice.

Prathama Bhattacharya, 35

Engineer, teacher at Techno India, Salt Lake

Came to: Academy of Fine Arts

From: Near Harish Park

I travel alone from Salt Lake, my workplace, and have to avail of a shuttle car service, sometimes after 7pm. I have never felt unsafe before but now I do. Many women like me do. We need to feel safe. What happened with the girl is unprecedented and we cannot take it lying down.

Prasanta Dutt, 67, and Pampa Dutt, 60Advocate and homemaker

Marched in: College Street

Lives in: College Street

We have two daughters. They are settled abroad. But we can relate to the incident so much. We just wish that the authorities had handled the situation sensitively. She was such a promising young girl. What happened to her is very unfortunate. But what followed was even more unfortunate. We have not come here to demand justice for women. We are here for equality. This is not a gender-biased event.

Keka Mallick, 59, and Soumitra Mallick, 62

Both school principals

Came to: College Street

From: Vivekananda Road

We walked from home to join this movement because we thought there was no other option but to hit the roads. We are here to support the young girl’s parents who are suffering for no fault of theirs. We are here to show the culprits that it is time for them to be scared and terrified. The culprits should know that if so many people can come together in protest, what could happen to them if they are left in front of the crowd.

Sumona Ghosh, 24, and Sagarika Dasgupta, 35

Lawyer and teacher

Came to: College Street

From: Central Calcutta

We want an answer from the administration. If we have elected them, we can ask questions, too. Why this suppression of facts and why such attempts to divert the investigation? This protest is not just for a night. We have just begun. The girl who lost her life was known to a close friend (of Sagarika). She had such a bright future.