Protests Erupt Across India Against Rape Epidemic in the Country
Indian doctors have called for a nationwide shutdown of hospital services to protest the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, sparking widespread outrage and raising urgent concerns about the safety of medical professionals. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), representing 400,000 medics, announced the 24-hour strike for Saturday, which will affect most hospital departments except for essential services.
The protest follows massive demonstrations across cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and New Delhi, where citizens demanded justice and stronger security measures in medical facilities. The 31-year-old trainee doctor was found brutally assaulted and murdered on August 9 at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, where she had gone for a brief rest during her shift.
This incident has reignited fears about women’s safety in India, echoing previous high-profile cases. The 2012 Delhi gang rape of a 23-year-old student on a public bus led to nationwide protests and legal reforms, but these changes have had little effect. The 2013 Mumbai gang rape, where a photojournalist was attacked, and the 2018 Kathua case, involving the rape and murder of an 8-year-old girl, further highlighted the country’s ongoing struggle with sexual violence.
In 2021, India registered 31,677 rape cases, an average of 86 per day, with Rajasthan reporting the highest number among states and Delhi leading among metropolitan cities. However, many rapes go unreported due to fear of retaliation and social stigma. Even when cases are reported, justice is elusive, as only one in four reported cases result in convictions. In 2019, the conviction rate stood at just 27.8%, reflecting a long-standing issue where victims face hostile conditions at police stations and pressure to withdraw their cases.
This latest tragedy in Kolkata underscores the urgent need for real change. Despite public outcry and legal reforms, the lack of safety for women and the dismal conviction rates show that much remains to be done to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
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