Healthcare services across West Bengal remained crippled on Saturday as doctors at both public and private medical facilities joined junior medics in a 24-hour nationwide strike called by the Indian Medical Association (IMA). The strike was in protest of the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor working at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Her body was found in a seminar hall on August 9. A Kolkata civic volunteer, Sanjay Roy, has been arrested in connection with the case.
A preliminary autopsy report indicated that she was sexually assaulted and murdered. The report revealed that she was bleeding from her eyes, mouth, and genital area, and showed injuries on her left leg, neck, right hand, ring finger, and lips.
Kolkata RG Kar doctor rape-murder case: Here are 13 things that happened on August 17
-A 24-hour nationwide strike by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) led to significant disruption in healthcare services across West Bengal. Senior doctors joined junior medics protesting the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Non-essential healthcare services at major state-run hospitals, including SSKM Hospital and Sambhunath Pandit Hospital, were severely impacted by the ongoing doctors’ strike. Private healthcare facilities also reported disruptions.
-The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) questioned Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, for a second time regarding the hospital’s response to the doctor’s death.
-The CBI also collected samples from the crime scene at RG Kar hospital and the barrack of the arrested prime suspect, Sanjay Roy, in Salt Lake.
-The CBI will conduct a psychological assessment of Roy. A team of psychological and behavioural analysts from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Delhi has arrived in Kolkata to conduct the necessary tests.
-In response to protests, the West Bengal government reversed its bulk transfer order for 43 doctors and 190 female health assistants. The transfer had been criticised by the United Doctors Front Association as an attempt to silence protests.
-Kolkata Police confirmed that 30 people have been arrested in connection with the vandalism at RG Kar hospital on August 15. The police have also summoned several Left leaders for questioning related to the violence.
-The West Bengal government introduced new measures to enhance the safety of women in workplaces, particularly in hospitals. Initiatives include designated safe zones, a mobile app with emergency alarms, and increased night patrolling.
-The Trinamool Congress (TMC) organized rallies across West Bengal condemning the opposition’s alleged conspiracy to destabilise the state government. TMC leaders demanded harsh punishment for those involved in the rape and murder case.
-Indian doctors and medical students in the UK issued an open letter demanding justice for the victim at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The letter criticised the West Bengal government’s response and called for improved safety measures. “The absence of investment in public infrastructure and safety measures has a disproportionate impact on women, who are already marginalised by the patriarchal social conditions. Instead of supporting their empowerment by creating safe workplaces and efficient judicial mechanisms, government leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, have historically indulged in victim-blaming and misogynist responses,” the letter read.
-Additional protests are scheduled in the UK, including a demonstration by British Indian women doctors at Parliament Square in London on August 22. The protests aim to express solidarity with the Indian medical community.
-In response to the Kolkata incident, the Home Ministry issued a notification requiring all state and union territory police forces to send law and order situation reports to the central government every two hours via various communication methods.