Mass Protests Erupt in Bengal Over Doctor's Tragic Murder

Thousands of protesters in West Bengal, including BJP workers and doctors, demanded justice after a trainee doctor was brutally raped and murdered. Prime Minister Modi's opposition BJP called for a state-wide strike, with police deploying 5,000 officers. The tragedy has sparked nationwide outrage, reminiscent of the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case.

Thousands of protesters blocked train tracks, halted buses, and shouted slogans in India's state of West Bengal on Wednesday. This marks the latest demonstration following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in opposition in the eastern state, called for a 12-hour state-wide protest strike after police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse a march on Tuesday.

Wednesday's protesters, mainly BJP workers, forced shops to shut as authorities braced for more disruptions. One police official reported that 5,000 officers had been deployed to quell potential violence. Thousands of doctors, many on strike since the Aug. 9 discovery of the crime, marched in Kolkata demanding justice for the victim and better workplace safety for medical professionals.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a political opponent of Modi, addressed a rally expressing her intent to introduce capital punishment for rape if state legislative powers allowed. She urged striking doctors to return to work, showing solidarity with victims of sexual violence and their families. The outrage follows the pattern of the 2012 gang-rape case in Delhi, questioning the effectiveness of tougher laws against sexual violence.

(With inputs from agencies.)