Kolkata, Oct 1 (NationPress) The intense public outrage that characterized last year's Durga Puja, ignited by the horrific rape and murder of a junior physician at Kolkata's R.G Kar Medical College Hospital, has this year given way to vibrant scenes of pandal hopping and joyous celebrations, offering a stark contrast.

During the previous year's festivities, the streets of Kolkata were filled with a massive wave of public anger directed at the West Bengal government over alleged attempts to protect those behind the crime. Thousands of citizens, civil society members, and celebrities rallied together in a protest that emerged from a coalition of junior doctors.

Fast forward to this year, and the usual festive scenes have returned—bustling crowds at food stalls, lively music filling the air from various community Durga Puja pandals, and a palpable sense of joy.

It seems that the memories of ‘Abhaya’ or ‘Tilotamma’—the names taken by the victim after the tragic event—have largely faded from the collective consciousness of West Bengal's populace, including those who led last year's protests. Surprisingly, there have been no protests or even candlelight vigils in her honor reported anywhere in Kolkata since the onset of this year's Durga Puja festivities.

IANS spoke with several leaders from last year's movements who expressed disappointment over the diminishing impact of the campaign over the last year.

Satabdi Das of the Raat Dokhol Oikko Mancha (Reclaim the Night United Forum) informed IANS that they opted not to organize any protests during this year's Durga Puja, attributing it to a lack of public engagement.

“We did not plan anything this year. People seem disengaged with the issue, and there is little enthusiasm among them. What’s the point of organizing a protest if the public is indifferent? Hence, we decided against holding any protest during this year’s Durga Puja,” Das, the convenor of the platform, stated.

A representative from the Doctors’ Forum, which played a significant role in last year's protests, echoed similar sentiments. The forum also chose not to conduct any activities during this year's celebrations. It is speculated that the stringent police actions taken against senior doctors who participated in last year's protests may have contributed to the lack of engagement.

Last month, Kolkata Police summoned two doctors who were prominent figures in the 2024 protests following the incident.

Summons were issued to doctors such as Manas Gumta and Subarna Goswami regarding a case registered last year at Bowbazar Police Station. Both have been active in leading protests against the Mamata Banerjee government.

Manas Gumta, former general secretary of the Association of Health Service Doctors (AHSD), West Bengal, conveyed to IANS that while police action has been taken, it should not deter doctors from organizing rallies and processions during this year's Durga Puja.

This year, no protests are taking place in Kolkata. However, smaller protests are scheduled in various districts of the state on October 9. Gumta expressed, “I believe the police action isn't the real reason for the lack of engagement among doctors; it’s more about the dwindling public enthusiasm.”

Bengali actor Badsha Moitra, who participated in last year’s protests, remarked that movements naturally lose their momentum over time.

“A year has passed since the incident, and understandably, the movement's vigor has diminished. Yet, there’s a feeling that justice has not been served for Abhaya. There exists frustration, anger, and a lack of faith in the investigations conducted by both the CBI and the state police. While there may be no protests in Kolkata, public dissatisfaction regarding the justice process remains,” Moitra told IANS.

Renowned painter Samir Aich suggested that multiple factors might have led to the decline in movement momentum this year.

“Bengalis are often known for their quick reactions to incidents but then they move on. Perhaps people have come to realize that this year’s protests won't yield any different outcome. Despite all the protests, Abhaya did not receive justice, and even her family has faced harassment from the police. Consequently, political parties are stepping back from the issue. For the public, this is a time for joy and celebration, and they may be reluctant to discuss a matter that is unlikely to evoke any substantial response,” Aich explained.