R.G. Kar Protests Shake Medical Community

The medical community in Kolkata is currently in an uproar following the tragic death of a young doctor. The body of a female doctor was discovered on August 9 at R.G. Kar Medical College, and the autopsy suggested that she had been sexually assaulted.

In light of this shocking incident, doctors and medical students have taken to the streets, demanding justice not only for their colleague but also for a broader acknowledgment of safety issues within the medical profession. Hospitals across West Bengal have joined the protests, and outpatient departments (OPDs) in state-run hospitals remain closed on Sundays.

The Kolkata Police have made an arrest regarding the case, with a civic police volunteer detained for questioning. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has given the police a deadline, insisting they solve the case by August 18. If not, she plans to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

On August 13, the Calcutta High Court decided to take action and transferred the case to the CBI. This move came amidst growing concerns about the lack of progress in the local investigation and the anxieties expressed by the victim’s parents.

The High Court emphasized that the current investigation was lacking and that time was of the essence to avoid losing any critical evidence. The residents are calling for a thorough investigation and severe penalties for anyone involved in this heinous act.

With the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association calling for an indefinite strike, doctors across the country are banding together. They are voicing their demands for justice and a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding their colleague’s death.

The protest, which started at R.G. Kar Medical College under the banner of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in PGIMER, has gained significant momentum, showcasing solidarity among medical professionals to push for radical changes and improved safety measures.