Kolkata is set to witness significant political protests and rallies on Friday, August 16, in response to the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) women’s wing plans to hold a candlelight rally demanding West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation over the incident and the vandalism at the hospital.
In addition, the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) has called for a 12-hour general strike across West Bengal to protest the vandalism and demand the arrest of those responsible for the trainee doctor’s death.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will also lead a protest on August 17, calling for capital punishment for the accused. She has urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure justice is served by the following Sunday.
Nationwide Strike
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a 24-hour nationwide strike on August 17, suspending non-emergency services in protest against the incident. Protests and marches are also planned in Delhi and Mumbai, with various organizations, including the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) and the Bengali film and television industry, joining the demonstrations.
This is Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi right now.
Hundreds of healthcare workers and doctors protesting in solidarity with Kolkata Victims#justiceformoumitadebnath pic.twitter.com/C8PQCVddVG
— Hemant Rajaura (@hemantrajora_) August 15, 2024
The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage, leading to nationwide protests demanding justice for the victim and accountability for the violence that followed.
Mahua Moitra Shares Video
Sharing a video on X, TMC MP Mahua Moitra said, “We are in total solidarity with the outpouring of real grief and fear on the streets . But it is necessary to separate facts from false propaganda.”
We are in total solidarity with the outpouring of real grief and fear on the streets . But it is necessary to separate facts from false propaganda. @MamataOfficial pic.twitter.com/WLI5n908sg
— Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) August 15, 2024
Kolkata Police Arrests 19 People
19 arrests so far in RG Kar hospital vandalism. Five of them were identified by social media feedback. If you recognise any of the suspects from our earlier posts, kindly inform us. Thank you for your support & trust. pic.twitter.com/zyY4sOgjBi
— Kolkata Police (@KolkataPolice) August 16, 2024
