Anger over the brutal rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata showed no signs of dying down on Friday, as medics called for the largest shutdown of hospital services in recent times, and political parties geared up for protests.
A 31-year old trainee doctor was raped and murdered last week inside a medical college in Kolkata where she worked, triggering nationwide protests among doctors.
Late on Thursday, the Indian Medical Association, said it would implement a nationwide shutdown of most departments, except essential services, for 24 hours from Saturday morning.
“Doctors, especially women are vulnerable to violence because of the nature of the profession. It is for the authorities to provide for the safety of doctors inside hospitals and campuses,” the IMA said in a statement issued on X late on Thursday night.
Political parties said they will hold protests in the city on Friday.
Bollywood actors, other celebrities and politicians have voiced shock at the crime, calling for stricter punishments for perpetrators of crimes against women.
A police volunteer who worked at the hospital has been arrested and charged with the crime.
Doctors say the circumstances of the rape point to the vulnerability of medics left without proper protection and facilities.
(Inputs from agencies)