The Kolkata rape and murder case involving a trainee doctor has escalated into a nationwide protest, with significant disruptions across India. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has taken over the investigation, has summoned eight doctors and other medical staff from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital for questioning. The case has sparked outrage and led to widespread demonstrations, with calls for strikes and protests from various medical and political groups.
On the night of August 15, during a nationwide ‘Reclaim the Night’ protest, a group of 40 to 50 individuals, allegedly disguised as protesters, vandalized property at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Kolkata Police have since arrested ten people and detained three for their involvement in the vandalism.
In response to the ongoing unrest and perceived delays in the investigation, the Delhi Medical Association, led by President Dr. Alok Bhandari, has announced a 24-hour strike starting at 6 am on Saturday. This strike will see a nationwide withdrawal of services by modern medicine doctors. A joint meeting of Resident Doctor’s Associations (RDA), including those from AIIMS Delhi and Maulana Azad Medical College, has resulted in a unified decision for a protest march starting at 2 pm today from Nirman Bhavan in Delhi.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also joined the call for a nationwide protest, aligning with the 24-hour strike announced by Delhi doctors. In West Bengal, the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) has organized a 12-hour strike today to protest against the vandalism at RG Kar Hospital. Additionally, the Jadavpur University Teachers’ Association has declared a day-long cease-work to support the cause.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that the Trinamool Congress will hold a rally on August 17, marching from Moulali to Dharmtala in Kolkata, demanding justice for the victim. In parallel, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Mahila Morcha will conduct silent candlelight marches at district headquarters across West Bengal to protest the brutal crime.
The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has called for a protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, demonstrating solidarity with Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital staff. Meanwhile, Kolkata Metro Railway has confirmed normal operations on August 16, despite the 12-hour general strike called by the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist).
The case has also drawn political attention, with BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accusing the Trinamool Congress of involvement in the vandalism and urging the Ministry of Home Affairs and CBI to deploy Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF) to maintain order.
The tragic case, in which the semi-naked body of the 32-year-old trainee doctor was discovered on August 9 in a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College, has seen the arrest of a civic volunteer, Sanjay Roy, who is linked to the Kolkata Police. The protests reflect the deep-seated frustration and demand for justice surrounding this high-profile case.
