A 26-year-old woman was gang-raped and murdered in West Bengal, reigniting fury over sexual violence in India. The attack, which occurred in the village of Bhadrakali, echoes the 2012 Delhi case that sparked nationwide protests. The victim, a physiotherapy intern, was assaulted by four men as she returned home from work.
Police have arrested three suspects and are searching for a fourth. The crime has prompted calls for stricter laws and better policing. India introduced harsher penalties for rape in 2013, but convictions remain low.
Activists argue that cultural attitudes and systemic failures persist. The case has drawn comparisons to the 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder, which led to legal reforms but did little to curb violence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed shock and promised swift justice.
However, critics note that sexual assault rates remain high, with over 30,000 cases reported annually. The incident underscores the challenges in ensuring women's safety in India, where a rape is reported every 15 minutes according to government data. The victim's family has demanded a fast-track trial and the death penalty for the accused.
Protests have broken out in several cities, with demonstrators calling for an end to gender-based violence.
