Junior doctors in West Bengal on Tuesday resumed total ‘cease work’ as they continue to protest over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The doctors have taken the decision to press the Mamata Banerjee government on various demands, including ensuring their safety and security at all medical establishments.
The decision was taken after a eight-hour long meeting of the junior doctors. They have placed a set of 10 demands related to strengthening hospital security, improving health infrastructure and putting an end to threat culture and politics in hospitals.
The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front stated, “We are forced to resume a full cease work starting today. Without clear government action on safety, patient services, and the politics of fear, we have no option but to continue our strike.”
They also criticized the slow pace of the CBI’s investigation, claiming delays could allow culprits to go free. “We’ve seen this before—CBI investigations often fail to deliver timely results,” they added.
Expressing frustration with the Supreme Court’s handling, the doctors said, “Despite its commitment to fast-track the trial, hearings have been repeatedly delayed, prolonging the process.”
The doctors also accused the West Bengal government of ignoring their requests for a meeting with a state task force to address their concerns. “We met with the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary regarding our five demands and followed up on July 26 and 29. Despite repeated requests for a task force meeting that includes junior doctors, the government has not responded.”
They further highlighted the lack of security improvements, pointing out that only a few CCTV cameras have been installed since August 9, despite the government’s assurances.
The doctors stressed the need for junior doctor representation in hospital decision-making committees. “Without proper representation, fear and oppression will continue. We have demanded democratic elections and the inclusion of elected representatives in all decision-making bodies,” the association said.
Meanwhile, following the Supreme Court’s cognisance of the photos of the RG Kar rape and murder victim circulating on social media, the victim’s father expressed his confidence in the top court to deliver justice.
In response, the Supreme Court reiterated its previous directive for all social media platforms to remove any posts disclosing the victim’s name and identity.
The Supreme Court clarified that its earlier order applies not only to Wikipedia but to all social media platforms, ensuring the protection of the victim’s identity. The court also noted that the CBI report highlighted how the victim’s injuries were exacerbated by her braces and glasses.
Senior Advocate Indira Jaisingh emphasised that the RG Kar incident was not merely a rape and murder case, revealing that four individuals were present at the crime scene, some of whom are elected council members.
After extensive deliberation, the Supreme Court adjourned the case for further hearing after the Dussehra vacation. The top court has taken suo motu cognisance of the rape and murder of a doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal.
(ANI)