Nationwide Protests Erupt Over Trainee Doctor's Rape and Murder in Kolkata

The CBI takes over the case of a trainee doctor's rape and murder in Kolkata, prompting nationwide protests from the medical community. The Indian Medical Association team meets the victim's family while medical services are affected. Calls for stricter laws to protect healthcare workers intensify.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) formally took over the investigation into the rape and murder of a post-graduate trainee doctor in Kolkata. A team from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), consisting of 12 members, visited the victim's residence on Wednesday to offer support and condolences.

The horrific incident occurred on August 9 in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, sparking outrage and protests from the medical community nationwide. Doctors across Kolkata, Guwahati, Hyderabad, and Mumbai demonstrated holding placards with messages such as 'Justice needs to be served' and 'No duty without security'.

Dr Indra Shekhar Prasad, President of the Resident Doctors Association at AIIMS, emphasized that the tragedy in Kolkata is not an isolated case and demanded stronger laws to ensure the safety and security of healthcare professionals. Dr Suvrankar Datta, Vice-President of the same association, called for immediate action from the Central Government, either through prompt enactment of a Central Protection Act or written assurances of forthcoming legal protections.

(With inputs from agencies.)