Thousands of women marched through Indian cities overnight, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for severe penalties for crimes against women, as outrage over the brutal rape and murder of a Kolkata doctor intensified.
Carrying candles and signs reading “reclaim the night,” women participated in marches across various cities, including Kolkata, where the rape and murder of a trainee doctor last week has sparked protests by fellow medics demanding improved and safer working conditions. Many government hospitals suspended all services except emergency care earlier this week as junior doctors protested outside, seeking justice for the victim.
The 31-year-old doctor was found dead on Friday, having been raped and murdered. A police volunteer has been arrested in connection with the crime.
Modi addressed the nation on its 78th Independence Day, expressing that the society must confront the atrocities committed against women. “There is outrage against this in the country. I can feel this outrage,” he said.
The incident has recalled the 2012 New Delhi case, where a gang of men raped and severely injured a 23-year-old student in a moving bus, leading to her death.
Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, with over 85 million Instagram followers, commented on the case, stating, “This horrific incident has once again reminded us that women disproportionately bear the weight of ensuring their own safety.”
