'It makes my blood boil': Protests against rape and murder of doctor in India lead to hundreds arrested | World news

In India, hundreds of protesters were arrested following mass demonstrations against the rape and murder of a doctor.

In the state of West Bengal, where the crime took place, during the Days of protests from doctors and women's groups demanding better protection.

Richa Garg, a doctor who took part in the protests in New Delhi, said she no longer felt safe at her workplace.

“As a woman, it makes my blood boil,” she said.

“The perpetrators of this crime must be found immediately – and our workplaces must be made safer.”

The protests were triggered by the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor who was found last Friday on a blood-soaked mattress in a hospital in Calcutta, the capital of West Bengal.

According to RG Kar Medical College staff, the doctor had retired for a nap after nearly 20 hours of her 36-hour shift when she was attacked.

The victim was found with bleeding eyes and mouth and had injuries to his legs, stomach, ankles, right hand and a finger.

A police officer was arrested and charged in connection with the crime, but the victim's family claims it was a gang rape.

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The case shocked the nation and Bollywood actors, other celebrities and politicians demanded stricter punishments for perpetrators of such crimes.

“As a society, we must reflect on the atrocities committed against our mothers, daughters and sisters,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. said.

“There is outrage in the country about this. I can feel this outrage.”

He added: “Outrageous behaviour towards women must be punished severely and promptly.”

Strict laws were introduced after the sensational gang rape of a 23-year-old woman in New Delhi in 2012 sparked nationwide outrage.

These included fast-track courts that allowed for quicker convictions in such cases. But protesters say that even ten years later, the situation for women has not improved.

“This horrific incident has reminded us once again that women bear a disproportionate amount of responsibility for their own safety,” said Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt in a post on her Instagram page, which has more than 85 million followers.

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Thousands of medical workers have gone on strike at some public hospitals to demand better workplace protection.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called on all doctors across the country – estimated at over a million – to stop all services except emergency rooms for 24 hours from Saturday morning.

IMA President RV Asokan said: “Women constitute the majority of our profession in this country. We have repeatedly asked for their safety.”