Trainee Doctor Found Raped and Murdered in Kolkata

The recent rape and murder of Moumita Debnath, a trainee doctor in Kolkata, has sparked mass protests in India, reminiscent of the outrage following the 2012 Nirbhaya case. Despite legal reforms such as the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act of 2013, which aimed to increase penalties for sexual violence, crime rates against women continue to rise, with the National Crime Records Bureau reporting an increase of 4% in 2022. Investigation into Debnath's case revealed she was sexually assaulted and strangled, highlighting the pervasive nature of violence against women in supposedly safe environments. Additionally, the Kolkata High Court has transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation due to concerns over local law enforcement's integrity. The societal response has been criticized for often blaming victims while demanding systemic change and improved support systems for survivors. Overall, the persistence of such violence raises questions about the effectiveness of punitive measures without broader societal and educational reforms.