Amid national outrage over the Kolkata rape and murder case, a 26-year-old woman in Maharashtra's Thane district took decisive action against unwanted sexual advances, injuring a man's genitals with a metal spatula, resulting in the attacker being hospitalized with severe injuries.
On August 16, around 4:30 PM, Anil Satyanarayan Raccha (30), reportedly intoxicated, arrived at the woman's residence in the Bhiwandi area and attempted to make inappropriate advances while allegedly exposing himself. Both parties were acquainted with each other.
Faced with Raccha's unwelcome behavior, the woman acted decisively. She raised an alarm, fled to her kitchen, and armed herself with a metal spatula. Using the spatula, she struck Raccha, injuring his genitals in a bid to protect herself.
Following the attack, Raccha sought medical attention at a local hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. The woman's swift response has highlighted the critical issue of self-defense in sexual harassment cases.
The Bhiwandi police have filed a case against Raccha under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for outraging a woman's modesty, sexual harassment, and trespassing. Although Raccha has not yet been arrested due to his hospitalization, the investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, Representatives from the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), Indian Medical Association (IMA), and Resident Doctors’ Associations from Delhi’s Government Medical Colleges and Hospitals met with the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in New Delhi following an incident involving a resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata.
During the meeting, the Associations expressed their concerns about the safety and security of healthcare workers at the workplace. The Health Ministry acknowledged these concerns and assured the representatives that all possible efforts would be made to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals. The Ministry highlighted that 26 states have already passed legislation to protect healthcare workers.
In response to the demands, the Ministry promised to establish a committee to explore further measures for the safety of healthcare professionals. Representatives from various stakeholders, including State Governments, will be invited to contribute their suggestions to this committee.
The Ministry also urged the protesting doctors to return to work in the interest of public health, especially given the rising cases of Dengue and Malaria.