East Bengal, Mohun Bagan Fans To Walk Together In Solidarity For RG Kar Rape And Murder Victim

The Durand Cup Kolkata Derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant on August 18 was cancelled due to the prevailing unrest in the city.

Kolkata: After the much-awaited Durand Cup Kolkata Derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant was cancelled amid the widespread protests following the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, fans of both clubs vowed to come together and make ‘their voices heard’ in solidarity for the victim.

The decision to cancel the match was taken following a meeting between the Kolkata Police officials and organisers of the tournament. On Saturday, the Indian Medical Association called for a 24-hour nationwide strike to protest the heinous crime.

Around one lakh people are expected to gather near the 66,000-capacity stadium, especially after both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal fan clubs called for protests. “Sarkar maath atakale amra raasta atkabo (If the government stops us to enter the stadium, we will block the roads,” reads a poster jointly issued by Mohun Bagan and East Bengal fan clubs.

Terming this a ‘Black Day’ for Kolkata Maidan, Prasenjit Sarkar, president of the Mariners’ Base Camp – Ultras Mohun Bagan said fans from both the clubs will join together for “one common cause: justice for RG Kar victim.”

“The government has dealt a severe blow to football by calling off the derby. The government’s action has shown a desire to impose an autocratic rule, and we cannot stand by it silently,” Sarkar told PTI. “Tomorrow, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal fans will join for a cause, and no one can stop us from our voices being heard. There will be thousands on the street opposite the stadium.

“Politics should never be allowed in the stadium. This time we will stand up together for a bigger cause. Together, with tifos and banners, we will demand justice. They may try to silence us, but we will not let our voices go unheard,” he added.
Rabi Shankar Sen of ‘East Bengal the Real Power’ also said they will come in huge numbers and gather in front of the stadium’s VIP gate.