Junior doctors in West Bengal hold 21 km protest march, continue hunger strike over RG Kar rape-murder

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 20 (ANI): The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front held a protest march in Kolkata on Saturday, demanding justice for the victim of the rape and murder incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The march covered 21 km and saw participation from people across various walks of life.

“Today, we organised a 21 km long rally. We will not back down from the strike until ‘Abhaya’ receives justice,” Dr Aqeeb told ANI.

Meanwhile, junior doctors continued their hunger strike in solidarity with the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front. The hunger strike, now in its 15th day, is part of their call for justice and healthcare reform.

Protests have erupted across West Bengal following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The victim was found dead in the seminar hall of the college on August 9.

The incident has sparked a political row between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the state government, with the BJP calling for the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

In a related development, the West Bengal government has urged the junior doctors to withdraw their strike and has invited them to meet with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on October 21 at Nabanna.

In a letter dated October 19, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant stated, “The Hon’ble Chief Minister has expressed deep concern for the health and well-being of those on hunger strike and has made a sincere appeal for the strike to be called off, given the health risks.”

“You are invited to a meeting with the Hon’ble Chief Minister on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 5:00 PM at Nabanna Sabhaghar, along with 10 of your colleagues, after the hunger strike is withdrawn. Due to other prior commitments of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, this meeting is scheduled for 45 minutes only. Please arrive at Nabanna Sabhaghar by 4:30 PM and provide the names of your 10 representatives via return email,” Pant added in the letter.