Kolkata rape-murder: Docs intensify protests, call for swift justice ahead of SC hearing

A day before the Supreme Court is set to hear the case regarding the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, junior doctors across India have intensified their protests, urging the CBI and the Supreme Court to expedite the investigation process and punish the culprits without any delay. The demonstrators are also calling for the removal of officials allegedly involved in covering up the crime.

At the core of their demands is a call for a transparent investigation and accountability from the West Bengal Government.

Dr Subarna Goswami, additional general secretary of the All India Federation of Government Doctors’ Association (AIFGDA), addressed the media in Delhi, expressing the frustration of junior doctors and the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA).

“Our primary demand is for the CBI to ensure transparency and impartiality in the investigation. All officials involved in this crime must be removed, and we also call for the resignation of the police commissioner and deputy commissioner. We will not back down until these demands are met,” said Dr Goswami.

Dr Siddharth, another AIFGDA representative, emphasised the extent of the alleged cover-up by local authorities. “This is not just a case of rape and murder; it’s about an entire system shielding those responsible. If this were a straightforward case, there wouldn’t be such an effort to cover it up. This is about the right to safety for all women, whether doctors or sanitation workers,” Dr Siddharth stated.

Meanwhile, the Progressive Medicos and Scientists Forum has written a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, listing five key demands. The letter urges the identification and punishment of those responsible for the August 9 incident, stating, “The culprits are still at large, leaving everyone feeling unsafe. We demand swift identification and exemplary punishment.”

They demanded removal of the Director Medical Education (DME), Director Health Services (DHS) and Health Secretary as their signatures are present in the order for construction work in the immediate auspices of the crime scene, when it should have been completely cordoned off. “The vicious cycle in this case, supported by the Health Department, must not go unpunished,” the letter asserted. With the Supreme Court’s involvement, protesters are hoping for greater scrutiny and accountability. In the meantime, junior doctors continue to push for improved safety measures at healthcare institutions and an end to what they describe as a “culture of fear” in medical colleges.

The forum also emphasised the need for democratic elections and increased participation of junior doctors in decision-making committees.