Doctor rape-murder: BJP MP faces 'go back' slogan
Junior doctors protesting late Monday night chanted "go back" against Bharatiya Janata Party MP and former high court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay, who visited the protest site in Kolkata, West Bengal. The doctors, advocating for justice for a trainee medic allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, viewed Gangopadhyay's arrival as an effort by the BJP to politicize their movement. The doctors were also calling for enhanced security measures for healthcare professionals.
Gangopadhyay defends his visit amid protests
Gangopadhyay defended his visit, stating that people had misunderstood his presence. "I have come here (protesters) as a dweller of the city and to show camaraderie with them. I am not against them; I am with them (protesters)," he said. He also questioned why Commissioner of Police Vineet Goyal had not yet visited the protest site, asking, "They are doctors, not hooligans. Why has the Commissioner kept the doctors waiting for such a long time?"
TMC accuses BJP of politicizing tragedy
The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) criticized Gangopadhyay for his visit to the protest site. In a post on X, the party stated, "Doctors showed BJP their place! Foul-mouthed, misogynistic leaders like (in) Justice Ganguly have no place in Bengal." The TMC accused the BJP of attempting to exploit the tragedy for political gain, saying "The BJP's politics of propaganda to hijack the R G Kar tragedy stands exposed and their leaders are being shown the door!"
Protesters demand resignation of Police Commissioner
The protesters, including doctors, citizens, and students, marched to the Kolkata Police headquarters on Monday. They demanded the resignation of Police Commissioner Goyal. Their march was halted by a barricade erected by the Kolkata Police at BB Ganguly Street, just half a kilometer from Lalbazar. Despite this obstacle, they refused to leave until their demands were met and spent the entire night at the site.
TMC leader calls for respect of peaceful protest
Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee urged all parties to respect the peaceful protest by the doctors and other members of civil society. He emphasized that all citizens had the right to protest in a democracy and that this ability distinguished West Bengal from BJP-ruled states. In response, Leader of Opposition Suvendhu Adhikari called for action against the TMC for their role in the incident.
IMA demands central law for safety of medical professionals
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has reiterated its demand for a central law to ensure the safety of doctors and medical professionals in a letter to the National Task Force (NTF). The NTF was established by the Supreme Court with a mandate to develop a protocol for ensuring the safety and security of healthcare professionals. Meanwhile, the West Bengal Junior Doctors's Front (WBJDF) will hold free-of-cost Abhaya Clinic health camps across Kolkata on Tuesday.
