Thousands in India join nationwide protests over doctor's rape and murder

NEWS WIRES

19 August 2024 at 10:51 am·1-min read

A nationwide strike by healthcare workers launched after the rape and murder of a 31-year-old female doctor in Kolkata has escalated, with protests taking place across India in favor of stronger laws to protect medical personnel and better protection for women.

Thousands of outraged Indian protesters, including arch-rival football fans and lawyers, called for justice Monday after the rape and murder of a doctor as widespread strikes by healthcare workers entered a second week.

The discovery of the 31-year-old doctor’s bloodied body at a state-run hospital in the eastern city of Kolkata on August 9 sparked medical strikes and protests across India, channelling anger at the chronic issue of violence against women.

Doctors’ associations from government-run hospitals in many cities across India continued strikes on Monday that cut non-essential services.

“We have forgotten our rivalries to make common cause in calling for justice for the doctor and her family,” said Bablu Mukherjee, a supporter of Kolkata’s Mohun Bagan soccer team.

“The cause is bigger than our club, even bigger than politics.”

The murdered doctor was found in the teaching hospital’s seminar hall, suggesting she had gone there for a break during a 36-hour-long shift.

In a rare case of unity, fans from Kolkata’s usual rivals the East Bengal club marched alongside them in a midnight rally that lasted into the early hours of Monday.

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