Kolkata rape-murder: Doctors' protest to continue despite SC deadline
The Supreme Court on Monday directed the striking doctors in West Bengal to resume their duties by 5:00pm on Tuesday. The directive was issued after the state government assured that no punitive action would be taken against the protesters if they returned to work. However, the protesting junior doctors have decided to continue their "cease work" despite this deadline. The doctors are protesting against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Why does this story matter?
Doctors at RG Kar Medical College have been protesting since the August 9 rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the hospital. The victim's body was discovered in the seminar hall with severe injuries, and a civic volunteer was arrested the following day. The case faced delays, prompting the Supreme Court on August 22 to criticize the Kolkata Police for their slow investigation. On August 13, the Calcutta High Court transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Doctors plan rally
The protesting doctors have announced plans to hold a rally at Swasthya Bhavan, the headquarters of the health department in Salt Lake. They are demanding the resignation of the state's health secretary and director of health education. "Our demands are unfulfilled and justice is not meted out to the victim. We will continue our agitation as well as the 'cease work.' We want the health secretary and DHE to resign," a doctor said after their governing body meeting in Kolkata.
IMA criticizes CBI and West Bengal government
Separately, the Indian Medical Association's (IMA) Bengal branch has expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court's directive. They criticized both the CBI, which is investigating the case, and the West Bengal government for not taking adequate steps to ensure justice for the trainee doctor. "We are totally disheartened by the proceedings of the court and CBI. No step was taken for a speedy trial to deliver justice to our colleague," an IMA representative was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
CBI raises doubts over forensic report
Meanwhile, during the SC hearing on Monday, the CBI expressed doubts about the forensic report of the postgraduate medic. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, informed a bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud that according to the medical report, her death was homicidal and there is evidence of forceful penetration and sexual assault. The agency has decided to send samples to All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi for further investigation.
