Kolkata rape case: nationwide protests

A nationwide hospital shutdown has been announced by Indian doctors as the public’s outrage grows over the rape and killing of a trainee medic in Kolkata, eastern India, last week.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), the largest medical association in the country has announced a 24-hour shutdown would take place on Saturday, impacting all hospital departments except for the emergency center.

The shutdown occurred after hundreds of people protested in different cities over the rape and killing of a 31-year-old trainee medic, whose brutalized body was discovered on August 9 at the government-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

Mass protests occurred on Friday in several cities across India including Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kolkata calling for justice and demanded increase security at medical campuses and hospitals. Medical unions from the public and private sectors have supported the cause.

According to Indian media, the deceased was found in the hospital seminar hall. Police reported that sexual assault was confirmed in the autopsy. State government officials have been accused of mishandling the case, even though police have taken a man in custody for investigation.