New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has expressed profound shock and distress in her first public statement over the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital earlier this month.
President Murmu described the crime as both horrifying and emblematic of a disturbing trend of violence against women. She emphasized the need for a collective societal response, declaring, “Enough is enough,” and calling for comprehensive introspection to tackle the root causes of such violence. Her remarks, shared on social media, highlight a growing national outrage over this tragic incident.
Her statement comes amid ongoing protests in Kolkata, where students, doctors, and citizens are rallying against the rising tide of crimes targeting women. Despite these demonstrations, President Murmu pointed out that the threat persists in other regions, underscoring a nationwide crisis.
Highlighting that even very young girls are among the victims, President Murmu asserted that no civilized society should tolerate such injustices. She urged a renewed commitment to the Constitution’s promise of gender equality, calling for both state and civil society efforts to advance this cause through various initiatives and campaigns.
The President condemned the objectification of women, a mindset she believes is prevalent not only in India but across the globe. She stressed that combating this ingrained attitude requires both governmental and societal efforts. Despite existing laws and social campaigns aimed at addressing gender violence, President Murmu acknowledged that persistent challenges remain.
Recalling the 2012 Nirbhaya case, President Murmu reminded the nation of the intense shock and outrage that followed the brutal gang-rape and murder of a young woman in Delhi. While acknowledging the government’s response since then, she lamented that the problem persists, as evidenced by ongoing violence against women.
Criticizing the tendency for such incidents to fade from public memory, President Murmu called for a renewed focus on the lessons learned from past tragedies. She concluded by emphasizing the nation’s duty to eliminate barriers to women’s freedom and ensure their safety and empowerment.