Kolkata streets become canvas for RG Kar tragedy protest art

As Kolkata readies for Durga Puja, the city pulses with a different energy — one of resistance, not celebration. The streets, usually adorned with bright banners and colourful hoardings, are telling a different story this year. Instead, walls and roads are covered with graffiti — an urgent cry for justice following the recent events at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital.

On August 28, Tollygunge, particularly around the Mahanayak Uttam Kumar metro station, transformed overnight. Ordinary paths became powerful statements of dissent. “People go home and forget the day’s events. We use graffiti to make them remember, to keep the anger alive,” says Sourav Bose, a member of team Free Souls. For Sourav and the whole team of about thirty, this art is a weapon in their fight for justice.

Creating these murals is no easy task, especially with Kolkata’s relentless rain. “We’ve switched from water-based to oil-based paints, but even those don’t always work. Wet roads cause the oil paint to float,” Sourav explains. “Just last week in Garia, the rain washed away our fresh work.” Each piece is a race against the weather, with only an hour before rain can destroy it.

The graffiti group, which came together after the "Reclaim the Night" movement on the night of August 14th, sees street art as essential to their protest. “Graffiti is key to revolution,” Sourav says. “We want it to be a symbol of resistance across Bengal.” They’ve already left their mark from Jadavpur 8B to College Street, Garia More to Gariahat, with plans for Sodepur on September 2nd, Victoria Memorial on the 4th, and more.

Community support fuels the movement, with friends and family donating funds for supplies. “Those who can’t join us contribute money for paint and brushes,” Sourav notes. The group’s strength lies in its inclusivity. “Anyone can join, regardless of skill. It’s about the message,” says Spandan Mazumder, a new member. Even the civic police in Tollygunge have supported the effort, setting up barricades to protect the art as it dries.





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