Indian doctors protest on Sunday after a colleague is raped and murdered, demanding justice and better safety in hospitals, Reuters reported.
The victim, a 31-year-old postgraduate student, was attacked on August 9 at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata, India.
Her death has sparked nationwide protests and strikes by doctors demanding better safety measures.
Thousands marched in Kolkata on Sunday evening, chanting “we want justice” as authorities struggled to contain the growing unrest.
The incident highlights ongoing issues with violence against women in India, despite tougher laws enacted after the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case.
The victim’s father expressed gratitude for the support from protesting doctors, stating it has given him strength to seek justice for his daughter.
Meanwhile, the accused, a police volunteer, has been arrested and charged with the crime.
The judges assigned to the case reported serious shortcomings on the part of the hospital administration.
On August 13, the Kolkata High Court decided to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), citing a lack of significant progress in the investigations and the possibility of evidence being destroyed.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) ended a 24-hour strike on Sunday morning but urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement airport-level security protocols in hospitals, as 60% of India’s doctors are women.
While most doctors returned to work, the All India Residents and Junior Doctors’ Joint Action Forum vowed to continue a nationwide cease-work until a thorough inquiry is conducted.
Protests and strikes continued in states like Gujarat and Odisha, causing disruptions in healthcare services.
The government has urged doctors to resume their duties, particularly with rising cases of dengue and malaria.
A committee has been set up to suggest measures to improve the protection of healthcare professionals.