Indian Medical Fraternity Strikes to Protest Doctor's Brutal Rape and Murder

Indian medical professionals began a 24-hour strike of non-emergency services across the nation in protest against the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata. Casualty departments will remain open, while over a million medics are expected to join the protest, demanding better safety for women in the profession.

Indian medical professionals commenced a 24-hour shutdown of non-emergency services nationwide on Saturday, protesting the brutal rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata. According to the Indian Medical Association, the shutdown, starting at 6 a.m. (0030 GMT), will disrupt elective procedures and out-patient consultations in the world's most populous country.

Emergency departments will remain operational. The incident, involving the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata, has sparked nationwide outcry among doctors, reminiscent of the horrific 2012 gang rape and murder of a student in New Delhi.

Frustration over the inadequacy of stringent laws to curb violence against women has ignited protests by medical professionals and women's groups. IMA President R. V. Asokan stated, "Women form the majority of our profession. We've repeatedly called for their safety." More than a million medics are expected to participate in the strike.