Speaking up should be encouraged more and more because people should
never be allowed comfort in hurting others.
On 9 August 2024, the body of a trainee doctor was discovered in the seminar hall of
the RG Kar Government Hospital in North Kolkata. According to the autopsy reports,
it was understood that the woman was sexually abused before being murdered. This
incident caused extreme concern all over India and led to widespread protests
demanding retribution. Allegedly, the young doctor was attacked while she was
resting in the hospital’s seminar room during a 36-hour shift.
The media has been providing continuous updates on the progress of the case, with
particular attention to the responses of the concerned authorities. It is important to
keep account of such updates as they go on to ultimately reflect how and if the
government takes responsibility for such crimes. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal
of
RG Kar Hospital, has been under heavy questioning. Additionally, a polygraphic
test is expected to be conducted on the accused Sanjay Roy and six others who
allegedly participated in the crime.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also addressed a letter to Prime
Minister Narendra Modi demanding stringent laws and punishment for the
perpetrators of rape. In her letter, she reportedly mentioned how “such serious and
sensitive issues need to be addressed in a comprehensive manner”. She suggested
setting up “fast-track special courts for speedy trials” of such cases, adding that “the
trial in such cases should preferably be completed in 15 days.”
Several resident doctors’ associations (RDAs) across India had also declared
an
indefinite strike to protest against the act. This included the RDAs from
AIIMS–Delhi, RML Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, and
even the
Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA). The strike meant a suspension
of all elective and non-essential services, including outpatient department services.
However, most of the RDAs and the FAIMA have now called off their strike after a
period of eleven days. This was due to specific ‘positive directions’ that were
received from the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court, on 20 August 2024, addressed the case and declared that the
peaceful protestors should not receive retaliation. They said, “We are very, very
concerned. Let the power of the State of West Bengal not be unleashed on peaceful
protestors.” Further, they referred to this incident as the ‘final straw’ and declared
that “the nation cannot wait for another rape and murder to bring in safety laws for
medical professionals and doctors.” Following this declaration, they emphasised
women’s safety in medical professions and set up a National Task Force to address
such concerns.
However, it should be understood that this incident not only adds to the perpetual
questions regarding the safety of healthcare professionals but also, more
importantly, to the safety of women.
Although this particular news is a likely reminder of the 2012 Delhi gang rape and
murder case of Nirbhaya, it is crucial to be aware that despite the heavy coverage by
the media, these incidents did not occur in isolation. Taking a look at news headlines
from the past few months till the entire year would serve as a reminder of how
women in the country are being violated across
age groups, professions, and social
groups. Along with that, since it has somehow emerged as a central factor in such
discussions about safety, even the manners of clothing are not being discriminated
against. It has repeatedly been proven that women are neither safe outside their
homes nor can they rest easily within the confines of four walls. Therefore, the fact
that government officials and lawmakers are concerned only towards members of
the medical sector remains quite questionable.
Taking into account the plethora of incidents regarding molestation, domestic
violence, stalking, eve-teasing, trafficking, and much more that occur on a regular
and uninterrupted basis, there has to be
a demand for a form of legal amendment
that is more inclusive in nature and is not just restricted towards the medical sector.
The improvement of public infrastructure directed towards the safety of women, a
sensitive police force, functional emergency helpline numbers, better sexual
harassment policies in the workplace, and the creation of awareness are a few
central objectives that can be taken up to promote women’s safety.
Although there are no concrete ways that have been proven to completely prevent
rape, the responses and appropriate ways
to deal with its aftermath have
repeatedly been established. The primary concern
in this sphere deals with victim
blaming which should be avoided at all costs. Along with that, the subtle actions
which fall under the act of victim blaming should also be informed and understood.
Considering the present case, the victim’s name and photographs have been widely
circulated
all over social media, which is highly disrespectful and should also be
avoided. Conversations around rape and sexual violence should be handled
sensitively, and the language used during such discussions should be carefully
examined.
Having said that, the most effective reformations can happen within the spaces of
comfort, which includes families and friends. Members of a family need to educate
each other and initiate conversations that can spread awareness about issues of
sexual violence. Among friend circles, problematic statements and remarks should
be called out by the respective group members. Speaking up within such spaces
should be encouraged more and more because people should never be allowed
comfort in hurting each other, especially since the abundance of ‘final straws’ in our
country has never ceased to persist.
