KOLKATA, India. The rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata has ignited widespread protests across India, leading to violent clashes at a medical college and demands for safer working conditions for healthcare professionals.
The victim, found dead last Friday, was reportedly assaulted and killed, with a police volunteer arrested in connection with the crime. Amid growing outrage, protesters claim the incident was a gang rape, and they believe more individuals were involved. Following a court order, the case has been handed over to federal investigators.
The tragic incident has triggered a wave of unrest, with scores of people storming the R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata on Wednesday night. The attackers ransacked patient wards, damaged vehicles, and engaged in a violent confrontation with police. Several officers were injured, and tear gas was used to disperse the crowd. While authorities have not identified those responsible for the rampage, the situation underscores the rising tensions surrounding the case.
Government hospitals across several Indian cities have suspended medical services, excluding emergency departments, as healthcare workers join the protests demanding justice for the victim and improved safety measures.
The crime highlights the ongoing issue of sexual violence in India, where, according to the National Crime Records Bureau, police recorded 31,516 reports of rape in 2022—a 20% increase from the previous year. However, many cases go unreported due to the stigma surrounding sexual violence and a lack of trust in law enforcement, especially in rural areas where victims often face community shame and concerns over social standing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Thursday, condemning the rise in atrocities against women. “There is outrage against this in the country. I can feel this outrage,” Modi said during his speech on India’s 78th Independence Day.
West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose visited R.G. Kar Medical College on Thursday to assess the situation, while opposition leader Rahul Gandhi of the Congress party criticized state officials, accusing them of attempting to shield the suspects rather than ensuring they face justice.
This case has drawn comparisons to the infamous 2012 gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old student on a New Delhi bus, which sparked massive protests and led to stricter penalties for sexual violence, including the establishment of fast-track courts for rape cases. Despite the legal reforms, rights activists argue that the government still falls short in protecting women and holding perpetrators accountable.
As protests continue to escalate, the country watches closely, demanding swift justice and meaningful change to prevent further tragedies.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
