Medical professionals across India have launched a 24-hour shutdown of non-essential medical services in protest against the rape and murder of a female medical trainee in Kolkata. The shutdown, which began at 6 a.m. (0030 GMT) on Saturday, has halted elective procedures and out-patient consultations nationwide, according to the Indian Medical Association (IMA). Essential services remain operational during the shutdown.

The protests were sparked by the brutal attack on a 31-year-old medical trainee at the R G Kar government hospital in Kolkata last week. The victim was reportedly killed while taking a short nap during a grueling 36-hour shift. A police volunteer has been detained in connection with the crime, but the initial investigation by state authorities has come under heavy criticism, leading to the case being transferred to a federal agency.

Thousands of protesters, including doctors, students, and residents, took to the streets on Friday, demanding better security measures for medical professionals and accountability for the young woman's death. The demonstrations have been widespread, with large gatherings in cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a rally.

The IMA, in a statement on Friday, emphasized the vulnerability of doctors, particularly women, to violence due to the nature of their profession. The association called on authorities to ensure the safety of medical staff within hospital premises, citing a broader issue of indifference and insensitivity towards the needs of healthcare workers.

The protests have largely been peaceful, although there were reports of vandalism at the hospital where the medic was killed. The incident has reignited discussions about the pervasive issue of sexual violence against women in India, with many women sharing their own stories of fear and insecurity on social media.

Medical unions from both government and private hospitals have expressed their support for the protests, with some warning that disruptions to hospital services could continue in the coming days if their demands are not met.