Indian doctors stand firm in protests over medic's brutal rape, murder

Thousands of junior doctors in India have continued their protests on Monday following the brutal rape and murder of a young medic, causing disruptions in hospital services for almost a week.

After the horrific incident on August 9, where 31-year-old trainee medic was raped and murdered at a hospital in Kolkata, doctors across the country launched a nation-wide action demanding safer workplace and swift criminal action.

A police volunteer has been arrested and charged with the crime. 

According to Reuters, women activists say that the incident has highlighted how women in India continue to suffer from sexual violence despite tougher laws brought in after the 2012 gang-rape and murder of a 23-year-old student on a moving bus in New Delhi.

The government has urged doctors to return to duty while it sets up a committee to suggest measures to improve protection for healthcare professionals.

"Our indefinite cease-work and sit-in will continue till our demands are met," said Dr Aniket Mahata, a spokesperson for protesting junior doctors at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where the incident happened.

In solidarity with the doctors, thousands of supporters of West Bengal state's two biggest soccer clubs marched on the streets of Kolkata on Sunday evening with chants of "We want justice".

Groups representing junior doctors in neighbouring Odisha state, the capital New Delhi, and in the western state of Gujarat have also said their protests will continue.