Doctors Threaten Nationwide Strike and Intensify Protests in Kolkata Rape-Murder Case
The CBI has launched a probe into the rape and murder of a Kolkata trainee doctor, while protests and vandalism at RG Kar Hospital continue to escalate
16-08-2024The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially taken over the investigation into the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. As part of the ongoing probe, the CBI has summoned eight doctors and additional medical staff from the hospital for questioning.
In a separate but related incident, the Kolkata Police arrested 10 individuals and detained three others following an episode of vandalism at the hospital during the 'Reclaim the Night' protest. According to police reports, a group of 40 to 50 people, posing as protesters, forcefully entered the hospital late Wednesday night, causing significant property damage.
The 'Reclaim the Night' protest, which initially began on the eve of Independence Day, is set to continue throughout today. The protestors have expressed their anger over the lack of progress in the investigation, leading to growing tensions in the region.
Dr. Alok Bhandari, President of the Delhi Medical Association, voiced his frustration over the slow pace of the investigation and announced a 24-hour strike starting Saturday. This strike reflects the broader dissatisfaction within the medical community, which is demanding swift justice for the victim.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also declared a nationwide 24-hour strike, starting at 6 am on Saturday, in response to the vandalism at RG Kar Hospital. Additionally, the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) has called for a 12-hour strike across West Bengal to protest against the incident.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the Trinamool Congress will hold a rally on August 17, from Moulali to Dharmatala in Kolkata, demanding justice for the trainee doctor. The Bharatiya Janata Party’s Mahila Morcha has also organized a silent candlelight march across all district headquarters in West Bengal, in honor of the 31-year-old trainee doctor who was brutally raped and murdered.
Furthermore, the Jadavpur University Teachers' Association has declared a day-long strike today in protest against the vandalism, and the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) plans to hold a protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.
In the midst of these tensions, Kolkata Metro Railway confirmed that it would continue to run normal services on August 16, despite the 12-hour strike called by the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist).
Meanwhile, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused the Trinamool Congress of being involved in the hospital vandalism and has written to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the CBI, requesting the deployment of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF) to maintain order.
The case has drawn widespread attention and outrage after the semi-naked body of the 32-year-old trainee doctor was discovered on August 9 in the seminar hall of the government-run hospital. A civic volunteer associated with the Kolkata Police, identified as Sanjay Roy, has been arrested in connection with the crime.
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