RG Kar Horror: Bengal Junior Doctors Resume 'Fast Unto Death' Demanding Justice

Kolkata: Almost two months have passed since the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, yet protests continue as doctors claim the West Bengal government has not fulfilled their demands.

Hunger Strike During Durga Puja

Doctors in Kolkata have begun an indefinite hunger strike in protest over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The strike, which started on Saturday evening, follows their demands for justice being ignored by the state government.

Six Doctors Lead the Hunger Strike

Six doctors from various medical colleges, have decided to sit on the hunger strike. The protesters include Snigdha Hazra, Anustup Mukhopadhyay, and Tanaya Panja from Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, Arnab Mukhopadhyay from SSKM Hospital, Pulastha Acharya from NRS Medical College, and Sayantani Ghosh Hazra from KPC Medical College.

Missed Deadline Sparks ‘Fast Unto Death’

The decision to start the hunger strike was made after the state government failed to meet the 24-hour deadline set by the doctors on Friday. They had organized a sit-in protest at Dharmatala’s Dorina Crossing and warned of stronger action if their demands were not addressed. On Saturday, after no action was taken, they escalated their protest with a fast unto death.

A junior doctor told PTI, “The state government has failed the deadline and hence we are starting the fast unto death, which will continue till our demands are fulfilled. To maintain transparency, we have installed CCTV cameras at the dais where our colleagues are holding the fast."

State Government Held Accountable

The doctors have placed the responsibility for any medical emergencies related to their fast on the state government. They have demanded that the state be held accountable if any of the protesting doctors fall ill due to the hunger strike.

Earlier, on Friday night, the doctors alleged that they were lathi-charged by the police. Despite the Kolkata Police promising action against the involved officers and urging the doctors to file a formal complaint, tensions remain high. The doctors also faced challenges in setting up a protest stage, claiming that the police tried to prevent them from doing so.

The police had previously refused permission for the sit-in, citing heavy traffic in the area as a reason for their denial.

Key Demands of the Protesting Doctors

The doctors are demanding immediate justice for the trainee doctor, speedy judicial proceedings, the removal of the health secretary due to incompetence and corruption, enhanced police protection in hospitals, and the hiring of permanent female police personnel. They have vowed to continue their strike until these demands are met.

(With Inputs from PTI)