The ongoing hunger strike by junior doctors in West Bengal underscores significant unrest within the medical community over issues related to the RG Kar rape and murder case.
These doctors, under the banner of the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, have launched an indefinite hunger strike in Kolkata’s Dharmatala, demanding that the state government take urgent action regarding their long-standing concerns.
The case, involving the rape and murder of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, has led to accusations of negligence and evidence mishandling by the police.
Despite fasting for two days, the junior doctors have received no official response from the authorities. Dr Abid Hasan, one of the protest leaders, voiced the community's frustration, accusing the government of failing to address their demands and allowing police harassment and intimidation.
Protesters allege that the state police have resorted to obstructing basic amenities, such as water and bio-toilets, and have physically assaulted a junior doctor on the first day of the protest.
Aniket Mahato, another junior doctor from RG Kar Medical College, emphasised the need for immediate action from the state government, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and even the Supreme Court to address their concerns.
The doctors argue that their movement is not only about seeking justice for the victim of the RG Kar case but also about ending the broader issues of police inaction, harassment, and what they refer to as the “syndicate culture.”
Despite these challenges, the junior doctors remain resolute in their hunger strike, vowing to continue the protest until their demands are met.
They hope that increasing public support will pressure the government to engage in a meaningful dialogue and ensure a peaceful resolution to their concerns. As of now, six junior doctors are participating in the hunger strike, with no communication from the authorities.
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