Indian Doctors Announce Nationwide Shutdown Over Rape and Murder of Trainee Medic

World

Doctors across India have announced a nationwide shutdown of hospital services in response to the growing public outrage over the brutal rape and murder of a trainee medic in Kolkata. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), the country’s largest medical organization representing 400,000 members, declared the 24-hour shutdown to be held on Saturday, with only essential services remaining operational.

The call for the shutdown follows large-scale protests in several cities, including Kolkata, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, where thousands of people demanded justice for the 31-year-old doctor, whose body was discovered on August 9 at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The autopsy confirmed that the victim had been sexually assaulted before her death.

The incident has sparked widespread anger and raised concerns about the safety and security of medical professionals in India. Doctors in government hospitals across multiple states had already begun halting elective services "indefinitely" on Monday in protest of the inadequate protection and facilities provided to medics.

Indian media reports suggest that the victim had gone to the hospital’s seminar hall for a brief rest during a long shift when she was attacked. Police have detained a suspect, a man who worked at the hospital assisting patients with navigating queues, but state government officials have faced criticism for allegedly mishandling the case.

On Wednesday night, the hospital where the murder took place was attacked, though the police have not identified those responsible for the violence. Nineteen individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident so far.

The medical community, backed by multiple unions in both government and private sectors, is demanding stronger security measures at medical campuses and hospitals to prevent such tragedies in the future. The nationwide shutdown is intended to amplify these demands and ensure that justice is served for the victim.