Parents of Indian doctor assaulted and killed: 'She aspired to a fulfilling life'

In a heart-wrenching incident that has shaken India to its core, a 31-year-old trainee doctor was brutally assaulted and murdered in a Kolkata hospital, sparking nationwide outrage and protests. The young woman's parents, speaking to BBC Hindi, paint a poignant picture of their daughter—an exceptional and compassionate individual whose life was cruelly taken in the very place dedicated to saving lives.

The tragedy unfolded on the night of August 9th, when the doctor, after an exhausting 36-hour shift, retreated to a seminar room for rest. The following morning, her partially clothed body was discovered, bearing evidence of a savage attack. A hospital volunteer has since been apprehended in connection with the crime.

The victim's parents, who live in a modest home just kilometers from Kolkata, are grappling with an unfathomable loss. "At the age of 62, all my dreams have been shattered," the father, a tailor by profession, told BBC Hindi. Their living room, a testament to their humble beginnings, is cluttered with the tools of his trade—a sewing machine, spools of thread, and scraps of fabric.

Despite financial struggles that sometimes meant forgoing small luxuries like pomegranates—her daughter's favorite fruit—the family supported her dreams. "People would say, 'You can't make your daughter a doctor.' But my daughter proved everyone wrong and gained admission to a government-run medical college," the father recounted, his voice breaking with emotion.

The mother, fingering a gold bangle she had bought with her daughter, recalled her child's nightly ritual of writing in her diary. "She wrote that she wanted to win a gold medal for her medical degree. She wanted to lead a good life and take care of us too," she said softly.

Indeed, she did. Even amidst her demanding schedule, the young doctor never failed to ensure her father, a high blood pressure patient, took his medication on time. Her last words to her mother before the fateful night shift were, "Please make sure Dad takes his medicines on time. Don't worry about me."

The parents revealed that their daughter's marriage had been nearly finalized. "But she would tell us not to worry and say she would continue to take care of all our expenses even after marriage," the father shared, prompting fresh tears from the mother.

This tragic incident has reignited discussions about women's safety in India. Government data reports an average of 90 rapes daily in 2022, a stark reminder of the persistent challenge despite tightened laws following the infamous 2012 Delhi gang-rape case.

The doctor's murder has also highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by healthcare workers, particularly women. Thousands participated in a "Reclaim the Night" march in Kolkata, demanding enhanced safety measures for women across the country. The medical community has called for a thorough investigation and a federal law to protect healthcare workers in their professional environments.

Federal Health Minister JP Nadda has promised to implement stricter measures to ensure better safety in healthcare settings. However, for the bereaved parents, these assurances come too late. "We want the harshest punishment for the culprit," the father stated firmly.

As the family grapples with their loss, their daughter's room remains untouched since August 10th—a poignant reminder of a life full of promise, cut short in its prime. The parents' anguish echoes a sentiment shared by many: "The hospital should be a safe place."

This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the work that remains to be done in ensuring women's safety and protecting those who dedicate their lives to healing others. As investigations continue and the nation mourns, the young doctor's story stands as a stark call to action for a safer, more just society.