Protests continue across the country over the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Doctors and other medical staff are demonstrating, which has affected health services nationwide.
Football Match Cancelled
The situation in Kolkata remains volatile. Due to ongoing unrest, the Durand Cup match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal scheduled for Sunday (August 18) at the Salt Lake Stadium has been cancelled. The decision was reached in a meeting between Kolkata police officials and tournament organizers.
An official told PTI that both teams would be awarded one point each, and fans would receive full refunds for purchased tickets. It is also speculated that all remaining Durand Cup matches in Kolkata might be relocated to Jamshedpur.
Source: aajtak
BJP Leader Questions the Decision
BJP leader Amit Malviya criticized the state government following the match cancellation. Malviya wrote, 'Mamata Banerjee's police have cancelled the highly anticipated Kolkata football match between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan on August 18. All tickets were sold out. The reason cited was an inability to provide security for the game. This says a lot about the law and order situation under Mamata Banerjee's rule in West Bengal.'
He further added, 'The inability to provide security for approximately 60,000 people, let alone a state population of 10 crore, shows the real reason for the cancellation. Both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan supporters were planning to carry posters and placards demanding Mamata Banerjee’s resignation and justice for the victim. Fearing a large-scale protest, the game was cancelled.'
The body of the postgraduate doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was found on August 9, sparking widespread protests. The Indian Medical Association has called for a 24-hour nationwide strike on Saturday to protest against the alleged rape and murder of their colleague.
Asia’s Oldest Football Tournament
The Durand Cup is the oldest football tournament in Asia. The first season was played in 1888. In 2024, the Durand Cup features 43 matches played in a round-robin league and knockout format with 24 teams divided into six groups. The top team from each group, along with the next two best teams, will qualify for the quarterfinals. Continuing its commitment to expanding the tournament's reach, two new cities, Jamshedpur and Shillong, have been added as hosts this year.
