Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: Junior doctors in West Bengal have called off their 41-day cease-work protest over the rape and murder of a fellow doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College. They announced their decision to return to work from Saturday, prioritizing essential services amidst the ongoing flood crisis in southern Bengal. However, the doctors stated that they will not resume outpatient department (OPD) services or elective surgeries until the state government guarantees their safety.
The announcement came after the state government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accepted most of their demands following multiple rounds of negotiations. Although this marks a significant step towards resolution, the doctors emphasized that their protest is not over and warned of the possibility of another strike if their concerns remain unmet.
Government’s Response and Safety Measures
Chief Minister Banerjee has been touring flood-affected areas, but Chief Secretary HK Dwivedi took charge of addressing the doctors’ demands in the final meeting held on Wednesday. The government has promised extensive safety measures in state-run hospitals, including adequate on-duty rooms, washrooms, CCTV installations, and the deployment of women security personnel. Mobile police surveillance teams, panic buttons, and a central helpline are also part of the security upgrade.
In addition, an audit of security across all state-run medical institutions has been ordered to ensure comprehensive safety for medical staff. The state’s response was aimed at alleviating concerns in the wake of the violent crime that sparked the protests.
Doctors’ Stance
Despite agreeing to resume essential services, the doctors clarified that their agitation is far from over. “This is not the end of our protest. If needed, we will cease work again,” said a representative of the junior doctors, adding that their legal battle over the unresolved rape-murder case will continue. The prime suspect in the case is Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer stationed at the hospital’s police outpost.
The protests will culminate in a symbolic march from the protest site to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office, emphasizing their demand for a swift and thorough investigation into the crime.
Political and Public Pressure
The resolution of the deadlock between the state government and the medical community began earlier this week when the doctors finally met with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after three failed attempts. Following the meeting, Banerjee announced the removal of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and two top health department officials, meeting key demands of the protestors.
However, the doctors are still pushing for the removal of the Health Secretary, which remains a point of contention. Ms. Banerjee has urged the doctors to fully return to work, especially given the critical situation in flood-hit districts.
The Crime and Its Aftermath
The protests were ignited by the shocking rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor on August 9 at RG Kar Medical College. The prime suspect, Sanjoy Roy, allegedly had access to all departments of the hospital due to his position with the Kolkata Police. The crime outraged the medical community and civil society, leading to widespread protests.
Allegations of police mishandling, including claims that the victim’s body was cremated against her family’s wishes and a police officer offered money to silence the case, fueled public anger. The police investigation has left several unanswered questions, which continue to be a focal point of the doctors’ demands for justice.
Despite the Supreme Court’s back-to-work order, the doctors held firm in their protest, with Mamata Banerjee stating that while the court order empowered her to use force, she would refrain from doing so, as she did not support “Emergency-like” measures.
