The junior doctors’ protest against the gruesome rape and murder of their 31-year-old colleague at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital continued for its 33rd day on Wednesday. The doctors are demanding justice and a safe working environment.

Earlier in the day, the junior doctors have agreed to engage in talks with the West Bengal government, but are stipulating that a delegation of 25-35 members will represent them, deviating from the government’s initial proposal of a 10-member delegation, The Indian Express reported.

Also Read:Kolkata rape murder case: Protesting junior doctors ready to talk with state govt, seek 35-member delegation for negotiations

Chief Minister of West Bengal and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee had reached out to doctors, inviting them to a meeting at the secretariat (Nabanna) in an effort to address the ongoing impasse. However, the protesting doctors had earlier rejected this invitation, labeling the communication, which came from the state health secretary (whose resignation they are demanding), as “insulting.” They had also ignored the Supreme Court’s directive to resume work by Tuesday evening.

The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF) has put forth a set of demands, which include:

  1. Accountability for crime: Holding all individuals responsible for the rape and murder, as well as any tampering of evidence, accountable and ensuring they face appropriate punishment.
  2. Disciplinary action: Implementing strict disciplinary measures against former R.G. Kar Principal Sandip Kumar Ghosh.
  3. Police Commissioner resignation: Advocating for the resignation of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal.
  4. Enhanced security: Improving and ensuring adequate security measures for healthcare workers.
  5. Eliminating threat culture: Eradicating the alleged ‘threat culture’ in hospitals and medical colleges across West Bengal.
  6. Additional resignations: Demanding the resignation of Principal Secretary of Health Narayan Swaroop Nigam and the Directorate of Health Education.