News Desk
The Advocate Post: “Nationwide Protests Erupt Following Rape and Murder of Trainee Doctor in West Bengal”
Following the vandalism of a hospital in West Bengal state where a female trainee doctor was raped and killed, protests have become more intense throughout India. During the big Reclaim the Night march that Kolkata city hosted on Wednesday to express indignation against the horrific crime, the hospital came under attack.
Numerous other Indian cities, including Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune, also witnessed smaller-scale protests. The largest medical association in the nation, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), declared a statewide strike of non-emergency services on Saturday.
In response to the attack on a hospital in West Bengal where a female trainee doctor was raped and murdered, doctors’ associations in various cities and political parties in West Bengal are organizing marches for Friday and the weekend.
On Wednesday night, tens of thousands of women across the state joined the Reclaim the Night march, calling for the freedom to live without fear. While most protests were peaceful, a small group of unidentified men clashed with police, storming the RG Kar Hospital—the crime scene—and vandalizing its emergency ward. Videos shared online depicted the men destroying beds and equipment with sticks.
During the attack, some doctors and hospital staff were injured, and police vehicles were damaged. Tear gas was deployed to control the situation. Kolkata police have arrested 19 individuals related to the incident.
On Thursday, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) condemned the attack, labeling it as “hooliganism against protesting students,” and announced a 24-hour suspension of non-emergency services starting at 06:00 local time [00:30 GMT] on Saturday.
The IMA emphasized the need for increased safety measures for doctors, particularly women, in hospitals and campuses. The organization also called for national support for its cause. Additionally, the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (Forda) has resumed its strike after previously calling it off on Tuesday.
