Colleague of Raped Indian Doctor Speaks Out: Trauma and Demand for Justice

Thousands Protest in Kolkata

On August 14, 2024, tens of thousands participated in a “Reclaim the Night” march in Kolkata to protest the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor. The 31-year-old victim, who worked at RG Kar Medical College, was brutally attacked on August 9, prompting widespread outrage and demonstrations across India.

Intern Shares Personal Trauma

Devalina Bose, 27, an intern at the same hospital, spoke to the BBC about the profound impact the incident has had on her. “I am still traumatized by what happened to my colleague. I struggle to sleep at night,” Bose shared.

Bose recounted her own fears, recalling a recent instance when she felt unsafe in a hospital room without a lock. “At that time, I dismissed my concerns, thinking my colleagues were nearby and nothing would happen. Now, I am constantly on edge during my shifts, always looking over my shoulder.”

Joining the Protest

Despite her parents’ concerns for her safety, Bose participated in the protest. “Women have the right to be out at night and to feel safe,” she asserted. The march saw participants from various backgrounds, including female professors, staff from her hospital, and residents from her community. Bose felt a strong sense of solidarity and connection with those who joined similar marches across the state.

Call for Change

Bose emphasized the need for societal change, criticizing the tendency to blame victims for assaults. “It’s time to question whose fault rape really is,” she said. The overwhelming participation in the marches reflects a collective demand for justice and a safer society for women.

Bose chose not to have her photo used in the article but wanted her voice to be heard in the call for change.