Indian doctors on strike over rape and murder of colleague

In India, a group of doctors has gone on strike to protest the tragic rape and murder of a female colleague in Kolkata. This incident has sparked outrage across the nation, leading to widespread protests demanding justice for the victim and better protection for women in general. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), which is the largest organization of doctors in the country, announced that all non-essential hospital services would be suspended for one day to highlight the severity of the situation. The IMA described the killing as a 'crime of barbaric scale' and emphasized the urgent need for safe spaces for women. They are calling for the support of the public in their fight for justice. The protests have intensified in recent days, especially after a mob vandalized the hospital where the crime occurred. The IMA has assured that emergency and casualty services will continue to operate during the strike, which is set to last for 24 hours. R. V. Asokan, the president of the IMA, expressed that doctors have been enduring violence for years, but this particular incident is 'qualitatively different. ' He pointed out that if such a horrific crime can happen in a medical college located in a major city, it indicates that doctors everywhere are at risk. In response to the incident, some doctors at government hospitals have announced that they will indefinitely halt elective procedures, which are non-emergency surgeries. The IMA has also put forth a list of demands, including the need to strengthen laws that protect medical staff from violence, enhance security measures in hospitals, and create safe spaces for doctors to rest. They are calling for a thorough and professional investigation into the murder and the prosecution of those responsible for the vandalism, as well as compensation for the victim's family. The shocking details surrounding the rape and murder of the 31-year-old female trainee doctor have left the nation in disbelief. Her body, which showed signs of severe injuries, was discovered in a seminar hall at R G Kar Medical College after she had gone there to rest during her shift. A volunteer from the hospital has been arrested in connection with the crime, and the case has been transferred to India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) due to concerns about the local police's progress. Since the woman's death, there have been more reports of rape in India, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to state that 'monstrous behavior against women should be severely and quickly punished. ' Demonstrators are also advocating for increased security in hospitals and improved laws to protect medical personnel. The incident has led to a political blame game in West Bengal, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) of failing to ensure safety. The TMC has denied these allegations and blamed 'political outsiders' for inciting violence. Recently, tens of thousands of women participated in the Reclaim the Night march, demanding the right to live freely and without fear. While most protests have been peaceful, there have been clashes between police and a small group of unidentified men who entered RG Kar Hospital and caused damage to the emergency ward. So far, at least 25 individuals have been arrested in connection with these disturbances. Protests have also spread to other major cities, including Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune. One protester, Sumita Datta, shared her feelings with the AFP news agency, stating that 'it feels like hope is being reignited' as thousands of people marched through the streets of Kolkata.