In an unprecedented show of solidarity, thousands of people, including doctors, paramedics, and concerned citizens, formed a 13-kilometre human chain in Kolkata on Sunday to demand justice for a junior doctor who was brutally raped and murdered at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The crowd, holding the Indian tricolour and placards with messages like "For how long we have to wait for justice" and "Hang the rapists," voiced collective outrage over the incident, which has deeply shaken the city’s medical community and citizens.
The protest reflects growing calls for increased security at hospitals across India, with the medical fraternity urging swift action to prevent further violence against healthcare professionals. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has demanded a special central law to protect doctors and hospital staff, highlighting the urgent need for stricter safeguards on medical campuses.
Key Developments in the Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken charge of the case and made multiple arrests, including a civic volunteer and former hospital staff member. This federal intervention follows allegations of security lapses and inadequate protections at the medical college, drawing scrutiny over campus safety protocols.
Widespread protests have erupted nationwide, with junior doctors across India joining the movement. Rallies and demonstrations are being held at various medical institutions, calling not only for justice for the victim but also for comprehensive measures to protect doctors and healthcare workers from such threats. The protests have brought national attention to the escalating risks medical professionals face, particularly in areas with limited security measures.
Supreme Court and Government Responses
Responding to the public outcry, the Supreme Court has intervened by ordering the removal of social media posts that reveal the victim’s identity and reinforcing the need for the CBI to lead a thorough investigation. Criticism of the West Bengal government has intensified, with opposition parties demanding accountability and the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, citing failures in upholding campus security.
This tragedy has spotlighted the urgent need for enhanced hospital security and stronger laws to protect women and healthcare professionals from violence. Activists and healthcare organizations emphasize that justice, in this case, is about accountability and ensuring a safer work environment for all medical professionals. As protests persist, the calls for change are expected to reverberate nationwide, urging policymakers to implement lasting protections.
