Amid nationwide outrage over violence against women, protests erupted in Kolkata, India, following the rape and killing of a resident doctor earlier this month at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident exposed the vulnerability of healthcare workers in India and led to demands for the resignation of a top elected official accused of mishandling the investigation.
The protests, which were triggered by the killing of the 31-year-old physician, highlighted the chronic issue of violence against women in the country. Demonstrators from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP attempted to march to the office of Mamta Banerjee, the ruling party leader in West Bengal, but were met with resistance from police who used tear gas and water cannons.
In response to the escalating violence, India’s Supreme Court established a national task force to address the safety of healthcare workers. An autopsy confirmed sexual assault in the doctor’s case, leading to the arrest of a police volunteer. The victim’s family alleged gang rape, sparking further outrage and calls for a safer working environment for medical professionals.
Despite the implementation of tough laws and harsh penalties for such crimes, women in India continue to face rising violence. The 2012 gang rape and murder of a student in Delhi prompted legislative action, but incidents like the recent attack on the doctor serve as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges in addressing gender-based violence.