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In a quiet suburb of Kolkata, India, a couple in their sixties is engulfed in grief and sorrow. The pain set in last month when they learned that their only daughter, a promising young doctor, had been raped and murdered during a break from a lengthy shift at the hospital where she worked.
“Each day begins and ends with tears,” the victim’s father expressed during a phone interview, struggling to grasp the reality of their loss. “Our dreams have been shattered overnight by cruel individuals,” he added, conveying the profound anguish that now colors their lives.
A police volunteer associated with the local public hospital was arrested following the tragic event, yet the family suspects that others may have been involved. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, leading to significant protests and strikes among the medical community across India. Demonstrators have vocally criticized the inadequacy of authorities in addressing the rampant sexual violence against women.
During the protests, tensions escalated, with police resorting to tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. The victim’s father, whose identity has been protected under Indian law, has publicly voiced his frustration over the handling of the case by the police.
He accused law enforcement of initially attempting to label his daughter’s death as a suicide, pointing to the hours of delay before they were allowed to see her body at the hospital. “They didn’t show the urgency that someone in this situation deserved; it felt deliberate,” he emphasized while criticizing the swift medical examinations conducted on the scene after his daughter’s death, claiming that vital evidence may have been compromised during the police response.
‘Getting justice is the only thing for us now’
Adding to his anguish, the father alleged that a senior police official offered him a bribe, which he firmly rejected. When contacted for comments, the Kolkata police department did not respond.
Despite harboring doubts about the actions of the police, the grieving family has placed their faith in the judicial process, noting that the case has now been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation, with updates being monitored by the Supreme Court of India.
“Getting justice is the only thing for us now,” he laments, revealing the enduring heartbreak of losing their only child. His wife shares a similar sentiment, finding solace in the public’s overwhelming support during the protests that have taken over the streets of Kolkata.
“This support gives us strength and hope,” she stated, highlighting the community’s solidarity amidst their devastating loss.
‘Who is there to protect us?’
In the wake of the tragedy, the West Bengal government enacted legislation imposing stricter penalties for severe cases of rape, including the death penalty. However, critics argue that such measures are insufficient in curbing the deeply embedded patriarchy prevalent in society.
There has been intense scrutiny on safety protocols at public hospitals, particularly at RG Kar Hospital, where the victim was employed. “We are forced to work under unsafe conditions,” lamented Dr. Lahari Sarkar, emphasizing the lack of basic amenities, including secure break areas for female doctors.
“What are we supposed to do in this environment? Who is there to protect us?” she questioned, voicing the collective anxiety felt by many within the profession.
In an attempt to address the security concerns, hundreds of national police officers were stationed at the hospital following the incident, though it remains unclear how long their presence will continue. The administration has promised to enhance security measures, including the installation of additional surveillance cameras, but as Dr. Sarkar noted, visible progress has not been observed.
Recalling a prior pledge made five years ago by the West Bengal government to improve safety for healthcare workers, Dr. Riya Bera, another doctor at the facility, expressed disappointment at the lack of tangible change: “This hospital is meant to be a safe space for us, second only to our homes. Coping with the current situation is incredibly challenging, and our patience is wearing thin.”
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www.cbc.ca