Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: Junior doctors in West Bengal have accused the state government of using intimidation tactics to obstruct their ongoing hunger strike, which has entered its second day. The doctors, who are protesting the handling of the RG Kar rape and murder case, claim that authorities are blocking essential supplies, including water and bio-toilets, and have even resorted to physical assaults to weaken their resolve.
The protest, spearheaded by the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, is taking place at Dharmatala in Kolkata. The group is demanding that the state government address their concerns related to the murder of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College. Despite sending multiple emails to authorities, the doctors say they have yet to receive any formal response.
Allegations of Police Harassment
Dr. Abid Hasan, one of the leading figures of the protest, voiced his frustrations, saying, “From the very first day of our movement, the government has not reviewed our situation. Instead, we are facing harassment through the police.”
The doctors allege that on the first day of the strike, one of their colleagues was physically assaulted by the police and forcibly removed from the protest site. “It’s clear that the authorities are using their old syndicate culture to try and crush our movement,” Hasan added.
Persistent Protest Amid Obstacles
Despite the challenges, the junior doctors remain steadfast in their decision to continue the hunger strike until their demands are met. They believe that the growing support from the public may pressure the government into taking action.
Aniket Mahato, another junior doctor from RG Kar Medical College, emphasized the importance of immediate intervention by the state, the CBI, and the Supreme Court. Mahato pointed to negligence in handling evidence related to the rape and murder case, accusing the authorities of failing to fulfill their responsibilities.
No Government Response So Far
Six doctors have been participating in the hunger strike so far, with no communication from the state government. The doctors stressed that they are not seeking support, but instead demand accountability and action from the authorities.
The hunger strike is set to continue indefinitely until the government engages in meaningful discussions and addresses the concerns raised by the medical community.
