Kolkata Erupts in Protest Over Trainee Doctor’s Brutal Rape and Murder, Sparking Nationwide Outcry

Protests have swept through Kolkata and other Indian cities in response to the shocking rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor on duty at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The crime has ignited widespread anger and calls for justice, highlighting the ongoing crisis of sexual violence in India.

University students led demonstrations demanding the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, criticizing her administration's handling of the case. Protesters clashed with police, who resorted to firing tear gas, deploying water cannons, and using batons to disperse the crowds. The protests, which escalated after security forces blocked roads and banned a rally organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have brought the city to a standstill, with schools and workplaces closing in anticipation.

The BJP, the main opposition party in the state, has thrown its support behind the protesters, accusing Banerjee’s government of attempting to cover up the crime. Suvendu Adhikari, a senior BJP leader, alleged that the state government is suppressing details of the case, while the doctor’s family has claimed that the incident was a gang rape, despite the arrest of a single police volunteer. An autopsy has confirmed that the victim was sexually assaulted.

The case has drawn parallels to the 2012 gang rape and murder of a young woman in New Delhi, an event that spurred nationwide protests and led to stricter laws against sexual violence. Despite these measures, sexual violence remains a pervasive issue in India, with 31,516 rape cases reported in 2022, marking a 20 percent increase from the previous year.

Doctors across several cities have launched strikes in solidarity, demanding better protection for healthcare workers. Although most have returned to work, the protests continue, reflecting the deep frustration and fear among the medical community. The Supreme Court of India has responded by establishing a task force to recommend safety measures for healthcare professionals.

As protests continue to rock Kolkata, the demand for justice grows louder, with demonstrators calling for a swift and transparent investigation. The case underscores the persistent challenge of addressing sexual violence in India, despite years of advocacy and legal reform.