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India has been gripped by widespread protests following the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor in Kolkata. Thousands of women took to the streets on Wednesday night, holding candles and signs that read “reclaim the night,” in a show of solidarity and outrage.
Crime Shocks India
The victim, a resident doctor, was discovered dead last Friday inside a state-run hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal. An autopsy confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted before being murdered. In response, authorities have arrested a police volunteer who is now being investigated in connection with the crime.
Prime Minister of India Condemns the Attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation’s anger over the incident, calling for stringent punishment for crimes against women. “There is outrage against this in the country,” Modi said. “I can feel this outrage.” He urged the country to recognize the severity of such crimes against “our mothers, daughters, and sisters” and to work towards preventing them.
Doctors of India Demand Justice and Safety
The incident has sparked significant protests within the medical community, particularly concerning workplace safety. On Monday, thousands of doctors in Kolkata and across West Bengal marched to demand justice for their slain colleague and to call for improved security measures in hospitals. The protests quickly spread nationwide, disrupting hospital services as over 8,000 government doctors ceased work in all departments except emergency services.
Nationwide Protests Escalate
The protests gained further momentum on Tuesday, leading to a near-standstill in hospital services in several Indian cities. In New Delhi, junior doctors protested outside a major government hospital with signs declaring, “Doctors are not punching bags.” Government hospitals in several states have suspended elective services indefinitely, as doctors continue to press for swift justice and enhanced safety protocols.
Sexual Violence in India: An Ongoing Crisis
This case has drawn immediate comparisons to the 2012 gang rape and murder of a young woman on a Delhi bus, which prompted massive public outrage and led to significant legal reforms. In response to the 2012 tragedy, the Indian government introduced tougher penalties for rape, including the death penalty for repeat offenders, and expanded the legal definition of sexual offenses to include stalking. Additionally, officials who failed to register rape complaints were made liable for imprisonment.
Despite these reforms, sexual violence against women remains a severe issue in India. In 2022, nearly 90 rapes were reported daily in the country of 1.4 billion people. The recent incident in Kolkata has reignited calls for stronger protections for women and more effective implementation of existing laws.
Police Investigation Intensifies
On Wednesday, India’s top police agency took over the investigation into the doctor’s murder, following widespread public outrage and the doctors’ strike. The authorities are under immense pressure to deliver justice swiftly and to ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.