Protests erupt in Howrah over alleged rape, murder of doctor

In Howrah on Friday, CPI(M) youth, students and women staged a spontaneous sit-in after police intervened to stop their march towards the Health Ministry office. The protesters demanded justice for a junior doctor who was allegedly raped and murdered in a government hospital.

Members of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Students Federation of India (SFI) and All India Democratic Women’s Association started their march towards the District Chief Medical Officer’s (CMOH) office but were stopped midway by the barricades of the Howrah City Police. A minor scuffle with the security personnel ensued after which the protesters sat in front of the barriers.

The protest also focused on a recent case of alleged sexual assault of a minor girl at Howrah district hospital. DYFI state secretary Minakshi Mukherjee said their intention was to submit a charter of demands to the CMOH. The body of the medical doctor, who was allegedly raped and killed, was found with injury marks on August 9, triggering outrage and protests across the country.

(With contributions from agencies.)