Doctors Demand Justice After Colleague’s Murder

Activists and doctors across India are planning to march on Wednesday evening to demand justice for a female doctor who was raped and murdered while on duty in a hospital in Kolkata.

These protests, titled “Reclaim the Night,” are expected to take place in several states, including West Bengal, Delhi, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, as organizers aim to highlight issues of sexual violence and the safety of healthcare professionals.

The tragic incident occurred at RG Kar Medical College, where a 31-year-old trainee doctor was found dead on August 9, prompting an outcry from the medical community. At first, hospital authorities claimed she had committed suicide, but an autopsy revealed the truth: she was raped and murdered.

Dr. Mridul, a protesting doctor, shared with Al Jazeera that sit-in demonstrations would continue at the hospital. The unrest led to some medical services being halted, with hundreds of doctors participating in vigils to spotlight the pressing issues surrounding violence against healthcare workers.

Following the incident, the Kolkata High Court transferred the ongoing investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The suspect, identified as Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested, and compelling evidence was found against him.

The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) initially called for a nationwide strike to demand better security measures for medical professionals. Just this week, they announced an end to the strike after the Health Minister, Jagat Prakash Nadda, agreed to their demands for better protections.

However, it seems not all doctors feel the strike should end. Various federations and hospitals are insisting on continuing their protests until a concrete plan is put into place to prevent violence against doctors.

The demand for a Central Protection Act was a major point of contention. Proposed in 2022, this law aims to protect medical professionals from violence, but it has yet to be enacted. Meanwhile, the situation remains dire, as many doctors believe that the measures taken so far are insufficient.

Dr. Abdul Waqim Khan, one of the protesting doctors, emphasized the need for more than just a transfer of the principal of the college, reiterating that they are calling for a complete termination of those involved in the incident.

The protests spread rapidly, with demonstrations held in major cities like New Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, and Goa, as thousands of doctors took to the streets demanding justice.

Sexual violence is a severe issue in India, with a report stating that an average of 90 rapes occurs every day. The tragic history of violence against women is further complicated in this case, as it happened in Kolkata, a city once celebrated for its relative safety for women.

With emotions running high, the protests echo calls from various leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, demanding immediate action and justice for the victim. Many see this as a pressing social issue, as doctors are not just fighting for their colleague but also for the safety of women in society at large.

Dr. Mitra, a former student of RG Kar Medical College, expressed her fears about safety in the medical field, recalling past experiences that left her shaken. The case has sparked discussion about the alarming lack of security measures in hospitals.