Doctor's Rape and Murder Raises Fear Among Female Medics in India

The recent rakhi festival has ignited anger among female medical professionals in India, particularly in light of the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor in Kolkata on August 9. Dr. Sumita Banerjee, a third-year student at Lady Hardinge Medical College in Delhi, expressed her discontent with the timing of the celebration, highlighting the contradiction of men who pledge to protect their sisters while committing acts of violence against women. This incident has instilled a pervasive sense of fear among female doctors, as articulated by Dr. Rooma Sinha, a gynaecologist in Hyderabad. Colleagues in the medical field, such as Dr. Preeti Shetty from Bangalore, echoed these sentiments, noting that the crime has disrupted the routine of night shifts that many female doctors have traditionally managed without concern. The growing number of women entering the medical profession—now comprising up to 60% of medical students—has not shielded them from the anxiety surrounding their safety, particularly during night duties. A senior resident at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi shared her apprehension about returning to night shifts post-strike, stating that being outside during protests felt safer than being in a hospital seminar room. This shift in perception has led to increased vigilance among colleagues, with doctors now questioning the safety of their parking and travel arrangements. The ongoing protests have provided some solace to the family of the deceased doctor, as they find comfort in the solidarity of millions of others who stand with them in the fight for safety and justice.