The shocking alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has sent shockwaves across India. The incident triggered massive protests by junior doctors across the nation, demanding justice and improved safety measures for medical professionals.
The protests intensified in Kolkata, with junior doctors continuing their ‘cease work’ and sit-in demonstrations outside the West Bengal Health Department headquarters for the third consecutive day. This came after a proposed meeting between agitating junior doctors and the Bengal government failed to take off. The doctors insisted on live-streaming of the talks, which the government refused, citing the case being sub-judice.
Adding to the escalating tension, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a video message, stated her willingness to resign from her post, saying, “I am not concerned about the post. I want justice.” Her statement came after the doctors refused to meet her without live streaming.
The Governor of West Bengal, CV Ananda Bose, further escalated the situation by announcing a “social boycott” of the Chief Minister. He declared that he would not share any public platform or participate in any public program involving the Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is actively investigating the case. On Thursday, CBI officials collected the dental impression of Sanjay Roy, the prime accused in the rape-murder incident, as part of their investigation. This could be crucial evidence as the post-mortem report indicated bite marks on the victim’s body.
Adding another layer to the investigation, the Enforcement Directorate conducted search operations at the residences and offices of individuals “close” to the arrested former principal of RG Kar hospital, Sandip Ghosh, to probe alleged financial irregularities at the medical establishment.
The tragic incident has exposed deep-seated issues regarding safety and security at medical institutions, with junior doctors across the country voicing their concerns and demanding immediate action to address these systemic flaws.
