Kolkata: The brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old female doctor in Kolkata has reignited national outrage in India, drawing parallels to the infamous 2012 Nirbhaya case that shocked the world. The incident has once again spotlighted the pervasive threats faced by women across the country.
The doctor, who was on duty at a Kolkata hospital, was attacked earlier this month. Medical professionals were the first to stage protests, but the demonstrations quickly grew as people from various walks of life joined in, expressing their anger and frustration over the persistent violence against women.
Many women are questioning whether anything has changed since the Nirbhaya case, with some expressing deep frustration at the ongoing lack of safety for women. Meghna Bhatia (name changed), a consultant at a multinational corporation in Bangalore, voiced her outrage, stating, “I am outraged because I feel women in this country are not treated as human beings and that no one wants to understand what women face every day.”
The alleged perpetrator, who had worked as a civic volunteer with the local police, has been arrested and is currently in jail.
In response to the growing public outcry, India’s Supreme Court has taken notice of the case. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud has ordered the establishment of a National Task Force to ensure the safety of doctors across the country. The court also directed the Health Ministry to create an online portal where stakeholders can submit their suggestions to the task force.
The judges emphasized that the nation cannot afford to wait for another tragedy to implement safety laws for medical professionals, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect those who serve the public.
