KOLKATA, India: Thousands of protesters clashed in Kolkata, India, on Wednesday, as demonstrations demanding justice for a murdered doctor turned into violent confrontations between political factions. The incident has escalated tensions in West Bengal, highlighting the deepening political divide in the region.
The unrest began after the body of a 31-year-old doctor was discovered at a state-run hospital in Kolkata on August 9, sparking national outrage over the persistent issue of violence against women. The gruesome nature of the murder has drawn comparisons to the infamous 2012 Delhi gang rape, which shocked the nation and led to significant political fallout.
While initial protests were led by medical professionals and supported by the public, the demonstrations have since evolved into clashes between the state’s ruling All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC) and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP, which holds power nationally, has used the incident to criticize AITMC leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, demanding her resignation.
Protesters from both sides engaged in heated confrontations, with BJP supporters calling for justice and AITMC supporters defending their leader. The violence escalated on Tuesday, with police using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds and arresting at least 245 people. In response, the BJP organized a day-long shutdown of Kolkata on Wednesday, leading to further skirmishes and disruptions, including road and railway blockades.
The ongoing unrest has also drawn attention to the handling of the murder investigation by Banerjee’s government, which has faced public criticism. Although one man has been detained, the public remains dissatisfied with the progress of the case. India’s Supreme Court has intervened, ordering a national task force to improve security for healthcare workers, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
As tensions continue to simmer, doctors are expected to hold a rally in memory of their murdered colleague, underscoring the broader issues of violence against women and the safety of healthcare workers in India.
