In a shocking and tragic incident that has garnered attention across India, a 31-year old trainee doctor, Moumita Debnath, in Kolkata was raped to death. This incident sparked widespread outrage that led to a 24-hour national strike with around one million health workers demanding better protection for health workers. There have been calls for other organizations like the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) and Delhi-based All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to join the strike.
According to the Times of India, 60% of the doctors and 85% of the nurses in the country are female. Of these figures, 75% have faced abuse while at work. This means that the Indian doctor’s rape and murder is one of hundreds.
The Incident
The bloodied body of Moumita Debnath was found in a seminar room in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on the 9th of August. Following an inquest report that confirmed sexual assault, her family wrote in a court petition stating that they believed she had been gang raped—she was on duty as at the time of her murder.
Following protests by junior doctors and medical residents after the discovery of Debnath’s corpse, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) called for a 24-hour “nationwide withdrawal of services” and the suspension of all non-essential procedures over the weekend.
“We ask for the understanding and support of the nation in this struggle for justice for its doctors and daughters,” said IMA president, RV Asokan.
The weekend protest consisted of a 3 km human chain of health workers in India who all want the same thing: safety in their profession, adding India to the list of countries experiencing citizen protest. Feminist groups also walked the streets in protests titled “Reclaim the Night” in Kolkata overnight on Wednesday which coincided with the eve of India’s independence day.
This was done in solidarity with the victim, demanding the principal of RG Kar Medical College to resign. These feminist protests extended to other parts of the country, including in the nation's capital, Delhi.
On Tuesday the 13th of August, the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) announced on its X account that it is calling off the strike after Health Minister, Jagat Prakash Nadda, accepted protest demands, solidifying the Central Protection Act, intended to be a central law to protect medical professionals from violence, proposed in the parliament’s lower house in 2022.
Broader Issue
Violence in India has been a longstanding issue and the Indian doctor’s rape and murder is proof. Despite various laws and initiatives aimed at curbing this inhuman act, the reality on the ground remains grim, as cases of violence and sexual assault continue to rise.
Closing Thoughts
Perhaps with the death of Moumita Debnath, we are experiencing the beginning of the end of sexual assault and violence in India. If not, at least one thing is clear: the government and law enforcement agencies are under immense pressure to apprehend the culprits and ensure that justice is served as a matter of urgency.