A wave of shock and anger has engulfed India following the brutal rape and murder of a young female doctor in Kolkata. The heinous crime has ignited widespread protests, with thousands demanding swift justice and an end to the endemic violence against women.
The 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor was found dead within the premises of a government-run hospital last week. The incident has sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting healthcare professionals to unite in demanding better security and working conditions. Junior doctors across India have suspended routine services, providing only emergency care in solidarity with the victim and their family. Protests have erupted in major cities, with demonstrators carrying placards and chanting slogans calling for stricter laws and swift justice.
The incident in Kolkata is a part of a disturbing trend in India, where cases of rape and murder continue to rise despite numerous laws and initiatives aimed at curbing these heinous crimes. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), India recorded 32,033 cases of rape in 2021 alone. This translates to an average of 88 rapes per day. Even more alarming is that these numbers only represent reported cases; countless incidents go unreported due to social stigma, fear of retribution, or lack of faith in the justice system.
In terms of murder, the NCRB recorded 29,272 cases in 2021. While this marks a slight decrease from previous years, the number is still staggering and reflects the broader issue of violent crime in the country. Among these cases, a significant proportion involved women who were victims of rape before being murdered, as in the Kolkata incident.
High-profile cases have further exposed the depth of the crisis. In 2022, a young woman was subjected to a brutal gang rape and torture, with the horrific incident including being paraded through the streets of Delhi. The arrest of 11 individuals in connection with this case sent shockwaves through the nation. The same year, a police officer was arrested after being accused of raping a 13-year-old girl who had sought help at the police station.
More recently, in March 2024, a Spanish tourist was gang-raped while on a motorbike trip with her husband in India, sparking international outrage. The incident drew stark comparisons to the horrific 2012 gang rape and murder of a young woman on a Delhi bus, which became a watershed moment in India’s struggle against sexual violence.
The 2012 case sparked massive protests and led to significant changes in the legal framework. In response to the growing crisis, the Indian government has taken several steps to combat violence against women. Following the infamous 2012 Nirbhaya case, which saw the brutal gang rape and murder of a young woman in Delhi, the government introduced the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013. This act expanded the definition of rape, introduced harsher penalties for perpetrators, and established fast-track courts to expedite rape cases. Several new sexual offenses were also criminalized, such as stalking, and officials were made accountable for failing to register rape complaints.
In addition, the government launched the Nirbhaya Fund, a corpus created to support initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety and security of women across the country. The fund has been used to implement various schemes, including the installation of CCTV cameras in public places, the development of emergency response systems, and the establishment of women’s help desks in police stations.
However, the effectiveness of these measures has been a subject of debate. Critics argue that while laws have been strengthened, their implementation remains inconsistent. Many rape cases languish in the courts for years, and the conviction rate remains low. According to the NCRB, the conviction rate for rape cases in India was just 27.8% in 2021, indicating a significant gap between the law and its enforcement.
Despite these measures, the scourge of sexual violence persists. Critics argue that the government’s efforts have fallen short of addressing the root causes of the problem. The low conviction rate in sexual assault cases, the lack of adequate support for survivors, and the prevailing patriarchal attitudes continue to hinder progress.
The medical profession, particularly women, face unique challenges. The murder of the doctor has highlighted the vulnerabilities of healthcare professionals, especially those working in isolated environments. There is a growing demand for better security measures in hospitals and clinics to protect women doctors and staff.
The protests that have erupted across the country are a testament to the public’s growing impatience with the government’s response to the crisis. As the nation mourns the loss of another young woman, there is a renewed determination to demand systemic changes to ensure the safety and dignity of women.
It is imperative that India takes concrete steps to address the deep-rooted issues that contribute to sexual violence. This includes strengthening law enforcement, providing comprehensive support to survivors, and fostering a culture of gender equality. Only then can the nation hope to break the cycle of violence and create a safer environment for women.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
