Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: The West Bengal government has extended an invitation to doctors protesting the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College, for a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today at 6 PM. The Chief Secretary, Manoj Pant, has suggested that a delegation of 12-15 doctors represent the group during the meeting.
The protest, now in its 33rd day, has seen doctors gather outside the state health secretariat, Swasthya Bhawan, demanding swift action against those responsible for the August 9 rape-murder of a 31-year-old doctor. Their demands include action against individuals involved in a potential cover-up and the resignation of senior officials, including the Kolkata Police Commissioner and the Health Secretary.
Doctor Aniket Mandal, representing the protesting doctors, mentioned that they had heard about the Chief Minister’s willingness to meet from media reports. “We will send a formal communication to the CM’s office and clearly state our demands. We are eager to talk to the Chief Minister,” he told NDTV.
The protests follow the horrific rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, which has sent shockwaves across the country. The case has also led to revelations of alleged corruption within the state’s healthcare system, with Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the college, being arrested by the CBI over financial irregularities.
The protesting doctors have consistently demanded the resignation of key figures in the health department, including Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam. The government had earlier reached out to the protestors, inviting them to a meeting at Nabanna, the state secretariat. However, the doctors rejected the invitation, as it was sent by the very officials whose resignations they are seeking, calling the move “insulting.”
The doctors continue to defy the Supreme Court’s order to return to work by 5 PM on September 10, despite the court’s assurance that no action would be taken against them. They have stated that they will not resume their duties until all their demands are met. The protestors have set up temporary shelters with fans, food, and water, showing their determination to continue the strike.
One of the central demands of the doctors is the resignation of Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and senior health officials. They are also demanding safer working conditions for healthcare workers in the state’s hospitals.
The tragic incident that sparked the protests involved the rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor, whose body was discovered in a seminar room at RG Kar Medical College on August 9. The case is currently under investigation by the CBI, and one person has been arrested in connection with the crime.
As the protests continue, the upcoming meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offers a possible path toward resolving the ongoing impasse.
