Protests Erupt After Doctor’s Murder in Kolkata

In a shocking and tragic event, a female doctor in Kolkata has been found raped and murdered. This incident has spurred a wave of protests across India as doctors and activists come together to demand justice.

The 31-year-old trainee doctor, whose body was discovered on August 9 inside RG Kar Medical College, had suffered multiple injuries. Initially, hospital authorities told her parents it was a suicide, but an autopsy later confirmed the horrifying truth.

Protests under the theme ‘Reclaim the Night’ are planned in various states, including West Bengal, Delhi, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Doctors in Kolkata have halted services at some medical centers and are holding sit-in demonstrations at the hospital.

As demonstrations continue, a prominent federation of doctors, FORDA, called for a nationwide suspension of elective medical services. They insist on the implementation of the Central Protection Act, which seeks to protect healthcare professionals from violence.

Many angry doctors are refusing to end the strike until there are concrete measures in place. Some even demand the dismissal of the college principal. The protests have highlighted not just the safety of doctors but also the widespread issues of sexual violence in India.

Mamata Banerjee’s government, which oversees West Bengal, has faced criticism as opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, emphasize the failures of local authorities in addressing women’s safety. The case, now turned over to the CBI, has brought renewed attention to the need for systemic changes to protect women.

With the backdrop of Kolkata historically being viewed as a safer place for women, this incident has left many questioning societal norms and protections for female professionals in all sectors.

As the police investigate, local communities are rallying for swift justice, expressing their outrage and reiterating the necessity to shine a light on the dark reality of sexual violence in India.