India's Supreme Court directs doctors to return to work amid rape outrage

By Kim Joo-heon Posted : September 10, 2024, 14:19 Updated : September 10, 2024, 17:52
Indian flag. Getty Images Bank
SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - India's Supreme Court has instructed protesting doctors to return to work by Tuesday, cautioning that those who fail to comply may face "adverse action," according to news reports. 

In August, a 31-year-old female resident doctor was raped and murdered after entering a seminar room to rest following dinner at a national hospital in Kolkata. The suspect, identified as a hospital volunteer responsible for assisting patients, has since been detained.

In response to the crime, doctors across India launched a strike, with some refusing to provide non-emergency medical services.

The protesters expressed outrage over the rape and murder of the female trainee doctor, demanding accountability for crimes targeting women and the assurance of women's safety.

Thousands of Indians living abroad held protests in over 130 cities across 25 countries including the United States, Japan and Australia. 

A police official reported that at least 100 protesters were arrested on charges of creating violence on August 27.

Data from the National Crime Records Bureau shows that more than 31,500 cases of sexual assault were reported in 2022.

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