West Bengal Paralyzed by Protests Over Doctor's Rape and Murder
- Posted on August 28, 2024
- By Arijit Dutta
- 116 Views
West Bengal faces widespread protests following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. Demonstrators demand Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation, while the BJP calls for a statewide strike. The incident has reignited national debates on women's safety and political accountability in India.
Widespread protests have erupted across West Bengal, disrupting daily life and transportation as citizens demand justice for the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor. The incident, which occurred on August 9 in a government-run hospital in Kolkata, has sparked national outrage and reignited debates on women's safety in India.
On Wednesday, thousands of protesters, primarily affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), blocked roads and railway tracks, forcing businesses to close. This followed Tuesday's march towards the state secretariat, where police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators.
The BJP, in opposition in West Bengal, called for a 12-hour statewide strike in response to alleged police brutality during Tuesday's protests. Authorities have deployed 5,000 police personnel to maintain order and prevent violence.
Protesters are demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, criticizing her handling of the case. The incident has drawn comparisons to the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case, which led to significant legal reforms.
A police volunteer has been arrested in connection with the crime, and the federal police have taken over the investigation. However, activists argue that despite stricter laws, women in India continue to face high levels of sexual violence.
Also Read: Details Emerge in Kolkata Doctor's Rape-Murder Case: What Sanjay Roy Did Hours Before the Crime
The protests highlight the ongoing struggle for women's safety in India and the political tensions between the ruling party in West Bengal and the national BJP government. As the state braces for more demonstrations, the incident has become a focal point for broader discussions on gender-based violence and political accountability in India.
