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What happened in the Kolkata rape case that triggered doctors’ protests?

What happened in the Kolkata rape case that triggered doctors’ protests?

Activists and doctors across India are planning to march on Wednesday evening to demand justice for a female doctor, who was raped and murdered while on duty in a hospital in the eastern city of Kolkata. Protests titled “Reclaim the Night” are expected in West Bengal, Delhi, Karnataka, Odisha, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, among other states, according to an organiser of the protests based in Kolkata. This comes after two days of nationwide protests by doctors following the incident at RG Kar Medical College in West Bengal’s capital city. “Sit-in demonstrations and agitation in the hospital campus will continue,” one of the protesting doctors, identified as Dr Mridul, told Al Jazeera. Services in some medical centres were halted indefinitely, and marches and vigils shed light on issues of sexual violence, as well as doctors’ safety in the world’s most populous nation. What happened to the doctor in Kolkata? A 31-year-old trainee doctor’s dead body, bearing multiple injuries, was found on August 9 in a government teaching hospital in Kolkata. The parents of the victim were initially told “by hospital authorities that their daughter had committed suicide,” lawyer and women’s rights activist Vrinda Grover told Al Jazeera. But an autopsy confirmed that the victim was raped and killed. Grover has appeared for victims in sexual violence cases in India in the past, including Bilkis Bano, a Muslim woman who was gang-raped during the 2002 Gujarat riots, and Soni Sori, a tribal activist based in Chhattisgarh state. Thousands of doctors marched in Kolkata on Monday, demanding better security measures and justice for the victim. On Tuesday, the Kolkata High Court transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) called for a nationwide halting of elective services in hospitals starting on Monday. Elective services are medical treatments that can be deferred or are not deemed medically necessary. Doctors hold posters to protest the rape and murder of a young medic from Kolkata, at the Government General Hospital in Vijayawada on August 14 [Idrees Mohammed/AFP] On Tuesday, FORDA announced on its X account that it is calling off the strike after Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda accepted protest demands. One of these demands was solidifying the Central Protection Act, intended to be a central law to protect medical professionals from violence, which was proposed in the parliament’s lower house in 2022, but has not yet been enacted. FORDA said that the ministry would begin working on the Act within 15 days of the news release, and that a written statement from the ministry was expected to be released soon. Press release regarding call off of strike. In our fight for the sad incident at R G Kar, the demands raised by us have been met in full by the @OfficeofJPNadda , with concrete steps in place, and not just verbal assurances. Central Healthcare Protection Act ratification… pic.twitter.com/OXdSZgM1Jc — FORDA INDIA (@FordaIndia) August 13, 2024 Why are some Indian doctors continuing to protest? However, other doctors’ federations and hospitals have said they will not back down on the strike until a concrete solution is found, including a central law to curb attacks on doctors. Those continuing to strike included the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA), Delhi-based All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Indira Gandhi Hospital, local media reported. Ragunandan Dixit, the general secretary of the AIIMS Resident Doctors’ Association, said that the indefinite strike will continue until their demands are met, including a written guarantee of the implementation of the Central Protection Act. Medical professionals in India want a central law that makes violence against doctors a non-bailable, punishable offence, in hopes that it deters such violent crimes against doctors in the future. Those continuing to protest also call for the dismissal of the principal of the college, who was transferred. “We’re demanding his termination, not just transfer,” Dr Abdul Waqim Khan, a protesting doctor told ANI news agency. “We’re also demanding a death penalty for the criminal,” he added. “Calling off the strike now would mean that female resident doctors might never receive justice,” Dr Dhruv Chauhan, member of the National Council of the Indian Medical Association’s Junior Doctors’ Network told local news agency Press Trust of India (PTI). Which states in India saw doctors’ protests? While the protests started in West Bengal’s Kolkata on Monday, they spread across the country on Tuesday. The capital New Delhi, union territory Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow and city Prayagraj, Bihar capital Patna and southern state Goa also saw doctors’ protests. [Al Jazeera] Who is the suspect in the Kolkata rape case? Local media reported that the police arrested suspect Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer who would visit the hospital often. He has unrestricted access to the ward and the police found compelling evidence against him. The parents of the victim told the court that they suspect that it was a case of gang rape, local media reported. Why is sexual violence on the rise in India? Sexual violence is rampant in India, where 90 rapes were reported on average every day in 2022. Laws against sexual violence were made stricter following a rape case in 2012, when a 22-year-old physiotherapy intern was brutally gang-raped and murdered on a bus in Delhi. Four men were hanged for the gang rape, which had triggered a nationwide protests. But despite new laws in place, “the graph of sexual violence in India continues to spiral unabated,” said Grover. She added that in her experience at most workplaces, scant attention is paid to diligent and rigorous enforcement of the laws. “It is regrettable that government and institutions respond only after the woman has already suffered sexual assault and often succumbed to death in the incident,” she added, saying preventive measures are not taken. In many rape cases in India, perpetrators have not been held accountable. In 2002, Bano was raped by 11 men, who were sentenced to life imprisonment. In 2022, the government of

Americans view Harris as more honest than Trump, but trust her less on economy, immigration: poll

Americans view Harris as more honest than Trump, but trust her less on economy, immigration: poll

A new poll has found that American adults view Vice President Kamala Harris as a more honest person than former President Trump, but are less likely to trust her when it comes to handling key issues such as the economy and immigration.  The AP-NORC survey of 1,164 adults revealed that around 4 in 10 say “honest” better describes Harris, compared to 24% for Trump. About 4 in 10 respondents also say Harris is someone who “cares about people like you,” compared to around 3 in 10 saying that about Trump.  Yet when it comes to the economy, 45% of those surveyed said they believe Trump is more likely to do a better job handling it, compared to 38% for Harris, according to The Associated Press. A similar difference was reported on the topic of immigration, while independent voters are nearly twice as likely to trust Trump over Harris on handling economic issues.  Harris has more of an advantage over Trump when it comes to handling issues related to race and racial inequality, abortion policy, and health care.   CLOSE CONTEST BETWEEN TRUMP AND HARRIS IN THIS BATTLEGROUND STATE TURNED RED: POLL  Roughly half of U.S. adults say Harris would do a better job than Trump handling each of those issues, compared with about 3 in 10 for Trump. Harris is especially strong among Democrats, independents and women on the issue of abortion policy.  TRUMP CAMPAIGN PICKS UP THE PACE, EYES COUNTER-PROGRAMMING DURING DEMOCRATS’ CONVENTION  About two-thirds of Democrats also say they are “excited,” describing either extremely well or very well how they would feel if Harris were to be elected.  The enthusiasm represents a sharp reversal from when Biden was the Democrats’ candidate: an AP-NORC poll from March found that only 4 in 10 Democrats said “excited” would describe their feelings extremely or very well if he won another term.  The Associated Press contributed to this report.  

Fox News Power Rankings: Three governor’s races to watch on election night

Fox News Power Rankings: Three governor’s races to watch on election night

All eyes will be on the governor’s mansions in New Hampshire, North Carolina and Washington this November as voters in 11 states head to the polls. Retiring incumbents give both parties chances to flip states The biggest challenge for gubernatorial candidates this year is getting noticed.  With the presidency at stake and control of the House and Senate also up for grabs, it is easy to forget that a few governor’s races could also change hands.  But there are exciting statewide races. FOX NEWS POWER RANKINGS: FIVE THEMES EMERGE IN THE BATTLE FOR THE HOUSE GAVEL In New Hampshire, Democrats are chasing a win in a hotly contested race after Republican Gov. Chris Sununu decided not to run for re-election. Republicans are looking to flip North Carolina. In the last two cycles, voters elected term-limited Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper to office twice while simultaneously choosing Trump for president. That battle will be won or lost on ticket-splitting. Additionally, while Democrats have a clear advantage in Washington, the GOP hopes that bringing a sheriff to town will keep the race close.  Republicans will also play defense in seven safe states, including North Dakota, Utah and Vermont, while Democrats have a safe race ahead in Delaware. New Hampshire The most competitive race on the map is New Hampshire, where Sununu announced he was not running for a fifth term this year. The governor is one of a handful of Northeast Republicans who have proven popular with the electorate for sound fiscal management while staying out of the culture wars. Last time he was on the ballot in a presidential cycle, he won by nearly 32 points. New Hampshire is yet to hold its gubernatorial primary, but leading Republican candidates this time include former Sen. Kelly Ayotte and New Hampshire state senator Chuck Morse. Ayotte is running closely to Sununu’s playbook and received his endorsement last week.   The Democrats’ leading candidates include former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig and Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington; they have been running center-left campaigns focusing on families and healthcare, respectively. FOX NEWS POWER RANKINGS: VOTERS’ APPETITE FOR TICKET-SPLITTING WILL DECIDE THE SENATE New Hampshire’s leftward drift at the presidential level is good news for Democrats, who have been hungry to compete in an open race. However, Sununu’s strong brand may well live on in Ayotte, making this a toss-up. North Carolina North Carolina has a long history of ticket-splitting in its presidential and gubernatorial elections.  Republicans have won all but one presidential race in the Tar Heel State since 1980 (Obama eked out a win in 2008), but Democratic governors have won all but three of their elections over the same period.  There are signs that the tradition could continue this year.  Democrats have fielded Josh Stein, the state’s attorney general since 2017. He is running a pro-business, pro-police campaign and has talked up the need to protect abortion rights on the trail. That is the right mix of issues for any Democratic candidate running in a close state.  Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson is the Republican candidate. He is closely aligned with former President Trump, who has endorsed him, and gave an impassioned speech at the RNC about rising costs and the American dream.  But Robinson brings a lot of baggage to this race. He has condemned homosexuality, promoted conspiracy theories and used antisemitic language, and previously endorsed a “no compromise” anti-abortion policy. He now agrees with a 12 week ban with limited exceptions. Stein also nearly tripled Robinson’s fundraising in the second quarter this year. A strong Trump performance will help Robinson get over the line, but Stein starts with an edge. This race is rated Lean D. Washington Voters in Washington will choose a new governor after Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee said he would not run for a fourth term last year.  Inslee presides over a blue-leaning state. Washington last chose a Republican for governor in 1985, and Inslee has improved his margin in every election since his first victory.  However, the first time he ran – also the last time this state had an open race – voters delivered a close result. Inslee took 51.5% of the vote to the Republican candidate’s 48.5%, putting just three points between them.  Twelve years later, and it is Dave Reichert’s turn to try to make this a race. The Republican challenger and former congressman is banking that his long career as a county sheriff will be salient in a state still struggling with crime. He has also avoided aligning himself with Trump.  Democrat Bob Ferguson, a three-term attorney general, starts this race with a clear lead. Ferguson has raised over $9.3 million, more than double Reichert’s $4.5 million, thanks in part to leftover cash from previous campaigns. He is campaigning on abortion and worker rights. This race is rated Likely D.  An all-new Issues Tracker will close out the week Fox News Power Rankings are now available for more than 500 races this November. The complete set of forecasts is available on the Elections Hub. On Sunday, Fox News Democracy 24 special coverage for the Democratic National Convention begins in Chicago.  Tune in to Fox News Sunday on your local station and Fox News Channel, and check back here to see the first Power Rankings Issues Tracker with Harris at the top of the Democratic ticket.

Biden remains bitter at top Democrats as they plan to formally usher him out the door: report

Biden remains bitter at top Democrats as they plan to formally usher him out the door: report

President Biden remains bitter toward the top Democrats who organized his ouster from the 2024 presidential race, even as the party prepares a massive sendoff at the Democratic National Convention, according to a report. Biden remains frustrated that former President Obama did not tell him to drop out face to face, but rather relied on his influence behind the scenes, Politico reported Tuesday. Biden is also angry at former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who he believes played the major role in forcing him to withdraw, alongside Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the outlet reported, citing three sources familiar with Biden’s thinking. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. A White House source told Politico that Biden views Pelosi as “ruthless” following the events of July. NANCY PELOSI WIELDS BIBLE, QUOTES BUSH, OBAMA IN RESPONSE TO TRUMP News of Biden’s frustration comes as the Democratic Party plans a massive celebratory sendoff for Biden at the DNC. The very party members who forced him to drop out now hail him as an elder statesman. “President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history,” Pelosi wrote in July just moments after Biden announced his withdrawal. PELOSI DEMURS ON IF ‘EVERYTHING IS OK’ BETWEEN HER AND BIDEN: ‘YOU’D HAVE TO ASK HIM’ “With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment,” she added. “God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness.” The schedule for the DNC reveals how Democrats plan to formalize the transfer from Biden to Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden will deliver his address on Monday night after Hillary Clinton and others. Two other Democratic former presidents will take the stage the following nights, with Obama headlining Tuesday and Bill Clinton on Wednesday, followed by Gov. Tim Walz. Harris will take the stage on Thursday, completing the transition. PRESIDENT BIDEN ADMITS PRESSURE FROM DEMOCRATS CONTRIBUTED TO DECISION TO DROP OUT Pelosi addressed whether she believes there is a way to repair her relationship with Biden after the party coup against him this week. “Is there a way back for your friendship?” former Biden administration White House press secretary Jen Psaki asked Pelosi during a segment of her MSNBC show “Inside with Jen Psaki” that aired Sunday. Pelosi focused her attention on the generational love her family has for Biden and on sustaining the 46th president’s legacy when answering the question. “In our family, we have three generations of love for Joe Biden. My husband and I, of course, we’ve known him for a very long time – respect him, love him and Jill. He and Jill are so remarkable, and their family. Our kids have always loved them. I had pictures with him from our children growing up and now our grandchildren growing up,” she said. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “But the most important thing we have to do is to win the election, just to sustain his legacy and to have the legacy be to do even more in the presidency and the vice presidency of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz,” Pelosi continued. Representatives for Obama and Schumer did not immediately respond to requests for comment.