Protests Erupt in Howrah Over Alleged Doctor Rape and Murder

Youth, student, and women's wings of CPI(M) held a protest in Howrah after police stopped their march to the health department's office. The demonstration was in response to the alleged rape and murder of a young doctor at a state-run hospital, as well as a separate sexual assault incident.

A spontaneous sit-in was held by the youth, student, and women's sectors of CPI(M) in Howrah on Friday, following police intervention to stop their march to the health department's office. The protestors demanded justice for a young doctor allegedly raped and murdered at a state-run hospital.

Members of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Students' Federation of India (SFI), and All India Democratic Women's Association began their procession to the office of the district chief medical officer of health (CMOH), but were halted midway by Howrah city police barricades. A minor scuffle with the security personnel ensued, after which the demonstrators sat down in front of the barriers.

The protest also addressed a recent case of alleged sexual assault on a minor at Howrah District Hospital. DYFI state secretary Minakshi Mukherjee stated that their intention was to present a charter of demands to the CMOH. The body of the postgraduate trainee doctor, allegedly raped and killed, was discovered with injury marks on August 9, sparking nationwide outrage and protests.

(With inputs from agencies.)