Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: Amid an ongoing deadlock with the West Bengal government, protesting junior doctors have written to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking their intervention to break the impasse following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The letter also calls for justice for the victim and protection for healthcare workers across the state.
The doctors’ four-page letter, which has also been copied to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Health Minister JP Nadda, appeals for immediate action. “We humbly place the issues before your esteemed excellency, as the head of state, so that our unfortunate colleague who has been the victim of the most despicable crime shall receive justice,” the letter reads. The doctors further emphasized the rise in “institutional threats, violence, and vandalism” during the protests, urging the leaders to provide guidance and support.
Background of the Protests
The protests began after the brutal rape and murder of the trainee doctor, sparking widespread anger among healthcare workers in West Bengal. The doctors have been staging demonstrations, demanding justice for their colleague and increased security measures for medical professionals in state-run hospitals.
Earlier in August, President Murmu expressed her dismay over the incident, describing it as “horrifying” and part of a troubling pattern of violence against women in the state. She noted, “In the 12 years since Nirbhaya, countless rapes have been forgotten by society. This collective amnesia is obnoxious.”
Failed Negotiations and CM’s Offer to Resign
Talks between the protesting doctors and the West Bengal government have failed to take place for three consecutive days. On Thursday, the doctors refused to attend another round of discussions as their demand for a live telecast of the meeting was not fulfilled. After waiting for over two hours, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offered to resign, stating, “I know many in the delegation were interested in talks. But two or three people were giving instructions from outside.”
Despite this, the doctors remain firm in their demands and have called for further action to ensure justice and safety.
