‘Not punching bags’: India’s doctors demand better staff protection after rape-murder case

India’s medical fraternity is up in arms over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor, with the horrific case sparking strikes by professionals and women’s groups across the country, as well as demands for stronger staff security.

The resident doctor’s body was discovered last Friday with injury marks and signs of sexual assault at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, according to police and local officials. One suspect has been arrested.

“It is an absolutely shameful incident for all of us. The complete responsibility for the safety and security of doctors lies with the administration and in that there can be no ifs and buts,” said Navneet Bali, co-chair of the healthcare council at the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India.

Lawyer and women’s rights activist Vrinda Grover told Al Jazeera on Wednesday that the parents of the victim were initially told “by hospital authorities that their daughter had committed suicide”, but an autopsy later confirmed that the victim was raped and killed.

The principal of the medical college was shifted to another one following the incident, but was later forced to go on long leave by a court after a civil group filed a case.

The case has sparked outrage in India, with doctors demanding duty rooms, proper security and for hospitals to be declared “safe zones”.

Tens of thousands of women across civil society groups joined doctors earlier this week in a protest march in Kolkata, with the movement spreading to the financial capital of Mumbai in western India.

“Public anger is very high. Last night, a candlelight protest was held at [more than 100] locations in Kolkata primarily by women, but also men on the eve of the nation’s Independence Day,” said Pridibesh