– Mariya Khan
Hyderabad, August 17: The horrific rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9 has sent shockwaves across the nation, igniting widespread protests and demands for justice.
In a strong show of solidarity, the Girls Islamic Organisation (GIO) Hyderabad led a protest under the slogan “Justice for one is justice for all” at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Statue, opposite the Central Secretariat here at 5 PM this evening.
Addressing the gathering, GIO Hyderabad City President, Dr. Asfia Anam, passionately condemned the crime, emphasizing that it represents a broader issue of systemic violence against women.
“This protest is not just about seeking justice for one victim but for all women who have suffered violence, including those in the Nirbhaya and Bilkis Bano cases, as well as countless others who remain unnamed. The prevalence of such heinous crimes highlights the urgent need for societal education. We demand a fair investigation and justice for all victims of domestic and societal violence,” Dr. Anam stated.
Dr. Anam further highlighted the tragic irony that even within the noble profession of medicine, women are not safe from the scourge of violence.
“The recent rape and murder of a female doctor on duty at RG Kar Medical College reveal the stark reality that true independence remains elusive in our society. Independence is not just about political freedom but about ensuring safety and justice for all. Until we address these systemic issues, our independence remains incomplete,” she declared.
Dr. Amtul Baseer, speaking to Radiance, echoed the sentiments of the protesters, calling for systemic change and accountability.
“We demand justice not just for survivors of rape but for all women, everywhere. Legal systems must take these crimes seriously, holding perpetrators accountable and providing survivors with the support and respect they deserve. We also demand comprehensive education that instills the importance of respect, and equality from a young age. Our ultimate goal is a society where women are not just safe but free to live their lives without fear,” she asserted.
Nuha Ghulam, GIO Telangana Secretary, expressed deep condolences and called for a nationwide response to the underlying causes of such violence.
“This isn’t just about seeking justice for one case but also about understanding and addressing the causes behind these incidents. The spread of pornography is a major factor contributing to such crimes, as it desensitizes individuals, often leading to an escalation of violence and promoting immorality in society. We strongly advocate for a complete ban on pornography,” she stated.
Nuha also called for severe and public punishment for the perpetrators. “As a girls’ organization, we demand that the criminals responsible be hanged until death, and that this punishment be made public to send a strong message. Justice delayed is justice denied; we call for immediate and uncompromising implementation of justice to ensure that no other woman falls victim to such brutality,” she demanded.
The protest stood as a powerful reminder that the fight for justice and safety for women is far from over.
