PTC News Desk: Protesting junior doctors in West Bengal have vowed to continue their strike, demanding justice for the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital trainee doctor who was raped and murdered, despite a Supreme Court directive to resume work by 5 pm on Tuesday, September 10. The doctors have been on a 'cease work' protest, pushing for action in the horrific case, and they remain steadfast in their demands.
On Monday, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bengal branch expressed its disappointment with the Supreme Court’s directive, stating it was “totally disheartened” by the order for protesting doctors to return to work. The IMA has been vocal in supporting the doctors’ call for justice in the case.
Across Kolkata, rallies were held as part of a ‘9-9-9’ event, where crowds gathered for nine minutes at 9 PM on Monday to demand justice for the deceased doctor. People assembled at various locations, including Shyambazar, Esplanade, New Town, and Jadavpur, as well as Bally and Mandirtala in Howrah. During these gatherings, they sang the national anthem in a show of solidarity.
Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case: 10 Key Updates
- Supreme Court Directive: On Monday, the Supreme Court ordered the striking doctors to resume work by 5 PM on Tuesday to avoid punitive action from the West Bengal government. The state government assured the court that no disciplinary action, including transfers, would be taken against the doctors if they returned to duty.
- Protesters' Response: The protesting doctors announced their intention to continue their strike and plan to march to Swasthya Bhavan (the health department’s headquarters) on Tuesday afternoon. They are demanding the resignation of the state’s health secretary and director of health education.
- Doctors’ Demands: The doctors stated that their primary demand for justice has not been met, and they will maintain their ‘cease work’ until the health secretary and director of health education resign. “We will hold a rally to Swasthya Bhavan tomorrow noon,” a protesting doctor told the media after a governing body meeting.
- IMA Criticism: The IMA Bengal branch criticized both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the West Bengal government, accusing them of failing to ensure justice for the murdered doctor and addressing issues within the health syndicate. The IMA vowed that the protests would continue to grow stronger until a solution is found.
- IMA’s Statement: “We are disheartened by the court proceedings and the CBI’s inaction. No steps were taken to expedite the trial to deliver justice. We are further disappointed that the Supreme Court has asked junior doctors to return to work by 5 PM tomorrow,” the IMA said.
- Trinamool Congress Reaction: The ruling Trinamool Congress welcomed the Supreme Court’s directive, emphasising that doctors' primary duty is to save lives, which cannot be compromised.
- Mother’s Accusation: The mother of the deceased doctor accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of lying about not offering financial compensation. She alleged that Banerjee did offer money and suggested creating something in her daughter’s memory. However, she told the media that she would only accept the offer once justice is served for her daughter.
- CBI Questions Forensic Report: During the Supreme Court hearing, the CBI expressed doubts about the initial forensic report and indicated that it would send samples to AIIMS for further investigation.
- Homicidal Death Confirmation: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, informed the court that the medical report confirmed the death was homicidal, with evidence of sexual assault and forceful penetration.
- Public Outrage: The case has triggered widespread protests, with citizens and medical professionals demanding swift justice. The protests have intensified as the medical fraternity continues to call for action against the perpetrators and better protection for healthcare workers.
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- With inputs from agencies
