The gruesome rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has shaken India. And while the incident has triggered widespread protests and candle lighting, it has also sparked a disturbing trend online.
According to The Quint, there has been a significant increase in internet search for photos and related content of the victim. The search involves aggressive and inappropriate questions about the details of the victim’s assault.
The victim’s name and other personal details were leaked online as she did not disclose her identity despite media discretion. Data from Google Trends shows dangerous search activity for terms associated with the victim, indicating a serious breach of privacy and decency.
Post-mortem reports paint a grim picture of the violence, revealing both external and internal injuries that indicate severe sexual assault and strangulation. These findings have been detailed in the reports of responsible medical authorities.
The spread of victims’ photos and identities online has drawn sharp criticism with Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud stressing the need to respect the privacy of victims of sexual assault during a Supreme Court hearing. The court reiterated that the identity of the survivors is protected under Indian law and the violation can lead to possible punishment.
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