The ongoing controversy over the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata continues to escalate as protests by junior doctors enter their second month. On Wednesday, the West Bengal government rejected the demands set by protesting doctors for the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and a live telecast as preconditions for negotiations.
Tensions Rise Amid Protests
As the sit-in protest reached its 33rd day, thousands of junior doctors gathered outside Swasthya Bhawan, the state’s health department headquarters, to press for their demands. Minister of State for Health, Chandrima Bhattacharya, expressed the government’s willingness to engage in talks but hinted that “political forces” could be influencing the protests. The doctors quickly refuted these allegations, vowing to continue their protest until their demands are met.
Government Response and Subtle Warnings
Despite the government’s outreach, TMC leaders issued subtle warnings to the protesting doctors, labeling them as “anti-nationals.” Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir suggested that the party might organize counter-protests due to the disruptions caused by the doctors’ agitation.
Chandan Mukhopadhyay, another TMC leader, criticized the junior doctors for defying the Supreme Court directive to return to work. Meanwhile, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh called for justice in the case, stating that the demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe is valid, and the culprits should face the death penalty.
Calls for Justice and CBI Investigation
As protests continued, CBI officers conducted further interrogations related to the case, questioning the main accused, Sanjay Roy, as well as several junior doctors and senior police officers involved in the investigation. The CBI’s efforts to uncover more details have been ongoing, with key figures being questioned about the initial handling of the case by local authorities.
Protestors and Political Counter-Movements
Amid the standoff, pro-BJP intellectuals, including actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty, led a rally in Kolkata demanding justice for the slain doctor. The rally, organized to commemorate Swami Vivekananda’s historic Chicago speech, saw hundreds of BJP activists and supporters calling for swift action and accountability in the case.
Next Steps
While the West Bengal government has invited the protesting doctors to a meeting at the state secretariat, Nabanna, the doctors have remained firm on their demands for a public discussion involving the Chief Minister. With both sides holding their ground, the deadlock continues, leaving the medical community and the public awaiting a resolution to the month-long protest. The inquiry hearing for 51 doctors accused of disrupting hospital proceedings is scheduled to resume on Friday.
This protest is shaping up to be a major test for the West Bengal government, with increasing public scrutiny and mounting political pressure. How the government navigates this situation will likely have long-term implications for the state’s healthcare system and political landscape.
