Global Outcry: Diaspora Indians Demand Justice for Murdered Doctor

Diaspora Indians in over 130 cities worldwide protested the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. The August 9 incident led to arrests and sparked global protests demanding justice and safety for Indian women. The federal police are investigating, and a hospital safety task force has been created.

Thousands of diaspora Indians protested in over 130 cities across 25 countries on Sunday, following last month's rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, as per the organisers. Protests began in countries such as Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and Singapore, eventually spreading to Europe and the U.S.

The protests added momentum to ongoing demonstrations in India since the August 9 killing of a 31-year-old postgraduate medical student. A suspect and the former principal of R.G. Kar Medical College, where the victim studied, have been arrested. 'The brutality and disregard for human life in this crime have shocked us all,' said Dipti Jain, an organiser of the global protests.

Reports show that the victim retired to sleep on a piece of carpet in a seminar room after a 36-hour shift due to a lack of resting rooms. She was found with severe injuries, prompting protests demanding accountability and safety for Indian women. In Dublin, California, protesters formed a human chain and shouted slogans, with people across different ages participating.

'We are concerned about everyone's safety at workplaces,' said Sukalpa Chowdhury, a physician at the Dublin protest. 'This affects future generations who will attend the same institutions.'

In Stockholm, scores of women, mostly in black, gathered to sing and hold signs, highlighting continuing issues of sexual violence despite tougher laws after the 2012 New Delhi gang rape. The federal police are investigating the crime, and the Supreme Court has established a task force to recommend steps for medical workers' safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)