In Kolkata, police have used tear gas, water cannons, and batons to disperse protests following the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor on August 9. The incident occurred at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, sparking outrage across India and protests demanding the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Protesters, including university students and members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), clashed with security forces. They accused Banerjee of mishandling the case and called for her resignation. The BJP, the main opposition party to Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress party, supported the protests, despite police banning their rally and blocking roads in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal.
Authorities arrested four student activists prior to the rally, accusing them of planning violence. Around 5,000 police officers were deployed in Kolkata and the neighboring city of Howrah to manage the situation.
Kunal Ghosh, a spokesman for the Trinamool Congress, blamed the BJP for the unrest, while the BJP accused Banerjee’s administration of trying to suppress the case. The doctor’s family has alleged gang rape and involvement of more suspects, although only one police volunteer has been arrested so far. An autopsy confirmed the doctor was sexually assaulted.
Last week, India’s Supreme Court established a safety task force to recommend improvements for the protection of healthcare workers.
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