The recent rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has ignited a wave of protests and strikes across India. This tragic incident has triggered intense reactions from the medical community and the public, leading to significant disruptions in healthcare services.
Protests and Strikes Disrupt Medical Services
For the fourth day in a row, doctors and post-graduate students at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have been striking, demanding justice for their colleague. The escalating protests have resulted in the resignation of the college’s principal, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, who stepped down amid mounting pressure and criticism. Ghosh stated his resignation was driven by personal and professional reasons, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring such an incident never happens again.
#WATCH | RG Kar Medical College & Hospital incident | Delhi: Doctors and medical students gathered to protest over the Kolkata medical student death incident.
The members of FORDA call for a nationwide strike and demand justice for the tragic death of a second-year PG resident… pic.twitter.com/b1LlXuV26t
— ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2024
AIIMS Delhi’s Demands for Justice
In response to the tragedy, the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) at Delhi’s AIIMS has outlined six major demands:
- CBI Inquiry: Immediate transfer of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
- Accountability for the Culprits: Strict punitive measures against those responsible.
- Family Compensation: Financial support for the victim’s family.
- Removal of Officials: Dismissal of the RG Kar Medical College’s principal and security head.
- Central Protection Act: Assurance from the Central Government for protective measures for medical professionals.
- Tribute to the Victim: Establishment of a memorial in the victim’s honor, such as a building or library.
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#WATCH | Chandigarh: Doctors and medical students hold nationwide strike over Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital death case.
(Visuals from PGIMER) pic.twitter.com/WaKJds9uVW
— ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2024
Details of the Incident and Ongoing Investigation
The victim’s body was discovered in a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, with autopsy results confirming she had been raped and murdered. The primary suspect, a civic volunteer with no official ties to the hospital, was arrested and is currently in police custody.
Police Actions and Public Response
The Kolkata Police have interrogated four individuals linked to the hospital, including doctors and housekeeping staff who were present during the night of the crime. The police have also issued a warning against spreading unverified information, stressing that such rumors could impede the investigation.
#WATCH | Rape-murder of a PG trainee woman doctor in Kolkata | Principal of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, Prof. (Dr.) Sandip Ghosh resigns from his post.
He says, “…I am getting defamed on social media…The deceased doctor was like my daughter. As a parent, I resign…I… pic.twitter.com/YnkSqR6f1d
— ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2024
Impact on Healthcare Services
The ongoing strike has severely affected medical services in Delhi and Kolkata. Hospitals, including Maulana Azad Medical College and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, have suspended elective procedures, though emergency services are still operational under considerable strain.
Government and Public Reaction
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has vowed to seek the death penalty for the accused and has promised to transfer the case to the CBI if local investigations do not yield satisfactory progress by August 18. The widespread protests and strikes reflect a deep sense of frustration and a strong demand for justice and improved safety measures for medical professionals.
The reaction from the medical community and public highlights the urgent need for action to address this heinous crime and ensure the safety of healthcare workers across India.
