Date: August 31,2024

To,

The Honorable Prime Minister of India

Copy to Indian Consulate General (1) Chicago and (2) New York

Subject:  Urgent Action Required: Justice for R.G. Kar Rape and Murder Case

Respected Honorable Prime Minister,

We, the members of the Indian community, are writing to express our deepest outrage and concern regarding the heinous rape and murder of a postgraduate resident doctor, Abhaya, at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, India, on August 9th, 2024. As the representatives of the Indian diaspora in the United States, we urge you to be with us and dowhatever is in your power to take immediate action to ensure that justice is served in this case.

The brutal attack on Abhaya, while she was resting in a seminar room after a long day of work, is a stark reminder of the pervasive threat women face in India. The fact that the local administration and hospital management attempted to tamper with evidence and downplay the incident as a "normal suicide case" is unacceptable and has sparked widespread public outcry.

The victim, a dedicated young doctor committed to the service of her patients, was tragically attacked while taking a much-needed break in a seminar room after completing her night duty in the chest medicine ward. This heinous act is not only a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of women in India but also highlights a deeply concerning lack of safety and security within a medical institution, a place meant for healing and care.

We stand in solidarity with the people of India and the international community in demanding justice for Abhaya and her family. This fight is not just about bringing the perpetrators to justice; it is about addressing the systemic issues that allow such crimes to occur with impunity. It is about ensuring that women are safe and respected in their workplaces and communities. It is about upholding the dignity of every citizen in a democratic society.

It has been several weeks since the incident, and the lack of progress in the investigation is alarming. We urge you to use everything at your disposal to :

1. **Demand Justice for the Victim**: We demand a swift, impartial, and thorough investigation into this case, ensuring that all individuals involved in this horrific crime, including those who may have aided or abetted the perpetrators or attempted a cover-up, are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

2. **Implement Systemic Change**: This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to address the deeply rooted issue of violence against women in India. We urge authorities to implement concrete measures to ensure the safety and security of women in educational institutions, workplaces, and public spaces. This includes strengthening law enforcement, ensuring timely and sensitive legal recourse for victims, and fostering a culture of respect and accountability.

3. **Ensure Transparency and Accountability**: We demand transparency in the ongoing investigation and urge the Indian authorities to keep the public informed about the progress of the case. We further demand accountability from those in positions of power, holding them responsible for ensuring justice is served and that such horrific incidents are not repeated.

4. * Implement law to protect doctors on duty

The fight for justice for the victim in this case is a fight for the safety and dignity of all women in India. It is a fight against impunity and a demand for a society where such acts of barbarity are not tolerated.

We, as members of the Indian diaspora and concerned global citizens, are urging you to:

- Raise this issue with the relevant authorities in India, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of West Bengal, urging them to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation leading to the swift prosecution of all those responsible.

- Issue a statement condemning the horrific crime and expressing solidarity with the victim's family, the medical community, and the people of India who are demanding justice.

- Organize or facilitate a platform for dialogue within the Indian community in your geographic area to address concerns about women's safety and explore ways to support initiatives promoting gender equality and justice in India.

We firmly believe that silence in the face of such injustice is complicity. We stand in solidarity with the victim, her grieving family, and all those demanding justice. We will appreciate if you may help us towards achieving immediate and decisive action to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that concrete steps are taken to prevent such horrific acts from occurring in the future.

Sincerely,

Indian community from Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois, USA.

Link for our petition in change.org