On August 9, 2024, , a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College Hospital in Kolkata, India, tragically lost her life under shocking circumstances. After completing an exhausting 36-hour shift, she went to rest in the hospital’s seminar room at 2 AM. Tragically, her colleagues discovered her semi-naked body five hours later, at 7 AM, revealing that she had been brutally raped and murdered during her shift.
Disturbingly, the hospital authorities waited four hours before contacting Abhaya’s parents. They initially informed them that their daughter was unwell, only to call again just three minutes later, falsely claiming that she had committed suicide. However, the condition of her body, including a fractured pelvic bone—a serious injury unlikely to be inflicted by a single person—made it clear that Abhaya had been assaulted by multiple attackers before being killed.

This horrific incident has deeply shocked the people of Kolkata, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of women in the region. In response, junior and senior doctors across West Bengal and India

have united, demanding the arrest and punishment of those responsible for Abhaya’s death. They are also calling for the removal of corrupt officials at RG Kar Medical College and within the Kolkata police force, who are suspected of attempting to shield the perpetrators by tampering with evidence.

The demand for justice for Abhaya has ignited a nationwide movement, drawing support from people of all backgrounds. This is no longer just a protest led by students or doctors; it is a widespread outcry from citizens across India, insisting on accountability and the protection of women’s rights. Abhaya’s case has highlighted the deeply entrenched societal issue of sexual violence against women, a problem that continues to plague the nation.
From a legal perspective, the timeline of events is crucial, as the courts must determine what exactly transpired on that fateful night in the third-floor seminar room of RG Kar Hospital. However, the response from state authorities and the Kolkata police has been deeply troubling. They are accused of protecting the criminals and attempting to suppress the movement for justice. Recognizing the severity of the case, the High Court of Kolkata and the Supreme Court of India have taken Suo moto cognizance of the matter.
In a starkly troubling contrast, the West Bengal state authorities offered a compensation of 10 lakh rupees (approximately 19,207 NZD) to Abhaya’s parents for the loss of their daughter. Meanwhile, they have reportedly spent 2.5 crore rupees (around 480,336 NZD) to hire 21 of India’s most expensive lawyers to defend the accused.
On August 24th and 25th, 2024, people gathered at Aotea Square in Auckland, New Zealand, to protest Abhaya’s murder. Holding placards with slogans like “Justice Delayed is Justice Denied” and “Women’s Rights are Human Rights,” they stood in solidarity with those fighting against the misrule of local authorities and police misconduct in West Bengal.
The Indian community in New Zealand has also launched a written petition and signature campaign, aiming to gather as many signatures as possible from the diaspora. Their goal is to submit the petition to Indian officials, demanding justice for Abhaya and advocating for broader social change to ensure the safety and protection of women. -TIN Bureau