JNS: Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets worldwide to mark one month of protests demanding justice for a trainee doctor who was raped and killed at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, India. The 31-year-old doctor was found dead on August 9, with an autopsy confirming sexual assault.
The case initially led to the arrest of Sanjay Roy, a civil volunteer linked with the Kolkata police. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) later took over the case, arresting Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the medical college, on corruption charges.
Since the doctor’s murder, Kolkata has seen daily protests calling for justice and improved safety measures for healthcare workers. The outcry expanded globally on Sunday, with Indian diaspora communities organizing demonstrations in 130 cities across 25 countries. The protests began in Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and Singapore, before spreading to various cities in Europe and the United States.
“The news of this heinous crime committed on a young trainee doctor while on duty shocked us all,” said Dipti Jain, an organizer of the worldwide protests. “The brutality and disregard for human life are beyond comprehension.”
In Dublin, protesters formed a human chain, chanting slogans and holding placards demanding justice. In Stockholm, a group of protesters gathered at Sergels Torg, singing Bengali songs and displaying signs.
The crime has not only sparked street protests but also led to a nationwide strike by doctors in India, disrupting hospital services. Protests in West Bengal turned violent last month, resulting in clashes with police and calls for the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Doctors are calling for improved amenities in public hospitals, including better rest areas for staff and faster implementation of protective laws. Although many doctors have resumed work, those at RG Kar Medical College and some other hospitals have continued their strike.
On Monday, the Supreme Court urged protesting doctors to return to work by Tuesday, warning of potential “adverse action” if they did not comply. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud emphasized the need for doctors to serve the general community and directed the state government to address their concerns, including providing separate duty rooms and toilets for male and female staff and installing surveillance cameras.
The court also established a hospital safety task force last month to propose measures for ensuring the safety of medical workers in India.
