Thousands of women took to the streets in various Indian cities overnight, protesting the brutal rape and murder of a doctor that has shaken the nation. Their marches, carried out by candlelight and with posters reading “reclaim the night,” signify a collective outcry against violence toward women.
In response to the outrage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, condemning the violence and calling for severe punishment for those responsible for crimes against women.
In Kolkata, where the murder of the trainee doctor occurred, the protests were particularly intense. Medical professionals across the country joined in solidarity with the victim, with many government hospitals halting all non-emergency services.
Junior doctors sat outside in protest, not only demanding justice for their colleagues but also advocating for safer working conditions in hospitals, highlighting the broader issue of safety in the workplace for healthcare workers.
Protests Erupt Across India After Doctor’s Rape and Murder, Sparking National Outcry Against Violence Toward Women
The doctor, a 31-year-old woman, was found dead after being raped and murdered. A police volunteer has been arrested in connection with the crime, but the incident has triggered widespread outrage, reminiscent of the infamous 2012 Delhi gang rape case.
That case, which involved the gang rape and subsequent death of a young student on a bus, brought international attention to the issue of sexual violence in India and sparked a movement for stricter laws to protect women.
Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt, with her 85 million Instagram followers, voiced her frustration and sadness over the crime. She pointed out how women continue to bear the burden of safeguarding their own safety in a society that consistently fails to protect them. Her comments underscore the broader issue of systemic inadequacies that allow such atrocities to continue, forcing women to live in fear.
According to recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau, crimes against women in India rose by 4% in 2022 compared to the previous year. This increase, along with the ongoing protests, highlights the urgency of addressing the violence faced by women.
The healthcare sector is particularly impacted, with medical professionals calling for reforms that would not only protect them but also ensure that justice is served swiftly and effectively.
