Protests have erupted across India in response to the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old female trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The incident, which occurred on August 9, has sparked nationwide outrage, with demonstrators demanding justice and increased safety measures for medical professionals.
On Wednesday night, Kolkata witnessed a massive “Reclaim the Night” march, where tens of thousands of women took to the streets to assert their right to live without fear. Similar protests broke out in major cities, including Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a nationwide strike of non-emergency services scheduled for Saturday, which will impact hospitals across the country.
Dr. Johnrose Jayalal, president of the IMA, stressed the importance of the strike, stating, “With half of the medical workforce comprising women and 90% of nursing personnel being female, the government must take responsibility for their safety by designating hospitals as secure zones, similar to airports and courthouses.”
While most protests have remained peaceful, tensions escalated when a group of unidentified men vandalized RG Kar Hospital, where the crime took place. Videos circulating online showed the attackers smashing medical equipment and causing chaos in the emergency ward. Several doctors and hospital staff were injured, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse the crowd. Kolkata police have since arrested 19 individuals in connection with the attack.
The incident has also sparked a political blame game in West Bengal, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) of failing to ensure women’s safety. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responded by questioning the opposition’s record on sexual violence in their own states.
The IMA has condemned the violence against protesting doctors, calling it “hooliganism unleashed on protesting students.” The association is advocating for a federal law to protect healthcare professionals, highlighting the particular vulnerability of female doctors in their line of work.
This tragic incident in Kolkata has reignited the national conversation about violence against women in India, a country where reported cases of sexual assault have been on the rise. The National Crime Records Bureau recorded over 31,000 rapes in 2022, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. Activists argue that many cases go unreported due to societal stigma and a lack of trust in law enforcement.
Adding to the nation’s grief, two more recent cases of rape have drawn significant attention. In Uttarakhand, a nurse was allegedly raped and murdered while returning home from work, and in Bihar, six individuals have been arrested for the gang-rape and murder of a teenage Dalit girl.
The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing demonstrations and widespread calls for accountability from both the government and society at large.
