Junior doctors, protesting the alleged rape and murder of a colleague at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, have launched a fast unto death on Saturday evening, intensifying their demonstration just days before the Durga Puja celebrations. The doctors claim the West Bengal government has failed to address their demands for justice and systemic reforms in healthcare.
The protest, which started on Friday with a sit-in at the busy Dorina Crossing in Dharmatala, escalated after the state government missed the 24-hour deadline set by the doctors to fulfil their demands. The protesters emphasised that they would continue their hunger strike until their demands are met, and they have installed CCTV cameras at the site to ensure transparency.
“We joined duty last night but will not eat anything until our demands are fulfilled,” said one of the protesting junior doctors, adding that six of their colleagues have already started fasting. The six junior doctors on fast include Snigdha Hazra, Tanaya Panja, and Anustup Mukhopadhyay from Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, Arnab Mukhopadhyay from SSKM, Pulastha Acharya from NRS Medical College, and Sayantani Ghosh Hazra from KPC Medical College.
The junior doctors are holding the state accountable for any health issues arising from the hunger strike. “The state would be responsible if any doctor falls ill during the fast,” a protester warned.
The doctors, who previously staged a 42-day “cease work” protest after the tragic death of their colleague on August 9, have continued to emphasize the need for justice and systemic reforms in the healthcare sector. Their demands include the removal of Health Secretary NS Nigam, accountability for alleged corruption in the Health Department, and the implementation of a centralized referral system and a bed vacancy monitoring system. They are also pushing for better police protection in hospitals, permanent recruitment of female police personnel, and the filling of vacant posts for healthcare staff.
On Friday night, tensions escalated when the protesting doctors alleged they were baton-charged by the police. The police denied them permission to hold their sit-in due to heavy traffic in the area. Despite the confrontation, the doctors have vowed to continue their protest, asserting they have widespread public support.
“We are not afraid of any obstacles the administration might create. We will continue our hunger strike until our demands are met,” a junior doctor declared. The protest has drawn significant attention, with large numbers of locals and a few celebrities joining the demonstrators.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has also weighed in on the issue, criticising the state government for its inaction in addressing the rising incidents of rape in the state. Referring to the RG Kar incident, Bose claimed that the government’s failure to respond effectively is emboldening perpetrators of heinous crimes.
“The cases of rape are increasing because of the absence of timely action. The inept handling of the rape and murder that took place in Kar Medical College by the West Bengal government is leading to more such gruesome incidents,” said the Governor in a statement on Saturday. Bose stressed the need for decisive action, warning that failure to act would further encourage violence in the state.
Meanwhile, tensions were high in South 24 Parganas’ Jaynagar, where locals torched a police outpost and vandalised vehicles after the body of a 10-year-old girl, who had been raped and murdered, was discovered. Police have arrested one suspect in connection with the case.
As the Durga Puja festivities approach, the protests in Kolkata are expected to intensify, with junior doctors showing no sign of backing down until their demands for justice and healthcare reform are addressed.
