Pics: Sumanth Poojary

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Aug 17: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Udupi-Karavali branch, along with various other organisations, staged a protest on Saturday, August 17 in response to the handling of a recent rape case in West Bengal. The protest drew over 500 medical students, practitioners, and supporters.

The march commenced at Board High School and proceeded to Ajjarkad Park, with participants holding candles. The event concluded with the singing of the national anthem with calls for stronger legislative measures to protect medical professionals and women.

Dr P V Bandary, an executive committee member and former president of the Udupi IMA, expressed deep concern about the case's handling. "Through our silent march, we are showing our sorrow and demanding that the government take this issue seriously. The West Bengal rape case should be treated as a cognizable offense, and any damage to medical practitioners or hospitals must be addressed as a non-bailable offense. We urge lawmakers to create stringent laws to prevent assaults on doctors and ensure immediate arrests in such cases," Dr. Bandary stated.

Dr Vijayendra from the Indian Dental Association, Udupi, added, "We pray that such incidents never occur again. The perpetrators of these crimes should be held accountable, and we propose donating one day's earnings to the advocate fighting this case to ensure justice for the victim. We strongly condemn these crimes and demand that no woman be harmed and that all criminals face severe consequences."

The protest saw participation from various organisations, including the Association of Physicians of India Udupi, Indian Dental Association Udupi, Lombard Mission Hospital, Lombard College of Nursing Udupi, Vidyarathna Institute of Health Science, Inner Wheel Club Udupi, Bhagini Yoga Kolambe, City Education Trust, Dr T M A Pai Hospital, Karnataka State Medical and Sales Representatives Association Udupi, Adarsha Hospital, Mahesh Hospital, Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Rotary Club, and Dhanvantary College of Nursing.

The event highlighted a collective demand for more effective legal measures to protect medical professionals and prevent violence against women.