Junior doctors in West Bengal are continuing their strike, demanding justice and safety measures following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. In the latest attempt to resolve the ongoing protests, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant issued a letter inviting the protesting doctors to meet with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at her Kalighat residence today at 5 pm.
The Chief Secretary’s letter emphasized that this was the fifth and final invitation for dialogue, urging the doctors to approach the discussion with an open mind. However, the government has made it clear that the meeting will not be live-streamed, despite the doctors’ demands for media transparency. The same delegation that had participated in previous talks has been requested to attend.
The protests erupted after the shocking rape and murder of a post-graduate trainee doctor on August 9, which sparked outrage across the country. Although demonstrations in other states have subsided after the Supreme Court formed a task force to address hospital safety, doctors in West Bengal remain steadfast in their strike, calling for concrete measures to ensure safety in healthcare settings.
The protesters have outlined several key demands, including increased CCTV coverage, the deployment of female security personnel, better lighting, and improved resting facilities for staff. While state officials have indicated that these issues are being addressed, the junior doctors are unwilling to resume work until they see substantial progress.
On Sunday, the streets of Kolkata witnessed widespread rallies and demonstrations as citizens joined the call for justice. Retired Army officers, alumni of Purulia Sainik School, marched through south Kolkata, despite heavy rains, holding placards demanding accountability. Former students of Calcutta Girls’ High School also organized a rally in Wellington, central Kolkata, while hundreds of nurses marched in Salt Lake’s Karunamoyee area, advocating for workplace safety.
In the evening, more protests were held at key city locations, including Ruby Crossing, Patuli, and Parnashree in Behala. Protesters demanded the swift arrest of all individuals involved in the crime, including those responsible for negligence within the hospital and the police force.
