RJD MP demands security assurance for medical staff amid nationwide protests over Kolkata doctor’s murder

New Delhi [India], August 17 (ANI): Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha said on Saturday that doctors protesting against the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in West Bengal’s Kolkata are seeking an assurance from the Centre about their security, which should be provided without delay.

Jha called for strict punishment for those involved in the heinous crime, noting that the investigation will uncover any lapses.

“The incident is very unfortunate… Doctors across the nation are protesting. The CBI is investigating, and the culprits should receive strict punishment. I urge the Central government to not delay in protecting the doctors which is one of the demands raised by them,” he said.

Jha also commented on Karnataka Governor granting permission to prosecute CM Siddaramaiah in the alleged MUDA scam, saying, “These kinds of decisions are taken by the Governor after consulting with the central government.”

Junior doctors and medical students on Saturday staged protested at Mangalagiri AIIMS Hospital and Delhi’s Lady Hardinge Medical College. West Bengal Congress workers also rallied against the incident, while ABVP workers have protested against the TMC government in West Bengal.

In response, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a nationwide withdrawal of services by doctors of modern medicine from 6 a.m. on August 17 to 6 a.m.

on August 18. The IMA has declared a 24-hour strike, during which OPDs and elective surgeries will be suspended, though emergencies and casualties will be attended to.

On August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor was found dead in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, triggering nationwide protests by doctors and medical professionals.

Later, a mob of between 5,000 and 7,000 people, including several individuals, invaded RG Kar Hospital, attacked protesting doctors and medical students, and attempted to ransack the premises, forcing security officials to disperse the crowd on August 14.

Two after this, Kolkata police arrested 19 miscreants allegedly involved in the mob violence at the hospital premises.