West Bengal Government’s Response to Protests
On Wednesday, the West Bengal government rejected demands from junior doctors for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s presence and a live broadcast of negotiations as conditions to end their month-long strike. The protest was sparked by the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old female doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
Continued Protests and Government Stance
The strike, now in its 33rd day, saw doctors continuing their sit-in outside Swasthya Bhawan in Kolkata for a second day. State Health Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya stated that the government was open to talks but suggested that “political forces” might be influencing the protests. The doctors swiftly denied these allegations and pledged to maintain their protests until their demands are addressed.
Supreme Court Directive and Government’s Position
Minister Bhattacharya urged doctors to adhere to the Supreme Court’s order to resume work but did not specify if there would be any penalties for those not complying. The RG Kar Medical College postponed a hearing scheduled for Friday, which involves 51 doctors accused of creating a hostile environment and disrupting the hospital’s operations.
Political Reactions and Counter-Protests
Leaders from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) issued veiled threats against the protesting doctors, labeling them as “anti-nationals” and suggesting potential counter-protests. TMC MLA Humayun Kabir mentioned that the agitation was causing public suffering. Meanwhile, TMC leader Chandan Mukhopadhyay criticized the doctors for ignoring the Supreme Court’s order, while Kunal Ghosh expressed support for justice and called for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to complete its probe and deliver the death penalty to the culprits.
CBI and Police Investigations
On Wednesday, the CBI continued its investigation with additional questioning. Arrested suspect Sanjay Roy was interrogated at the Presidency Correctional Home, while four junior doctors were questioned in the morning. The CBI also scrutinized the investigation methods of Kolkata Police officers, including Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Gupta and Vidit Raj Bhundesh.
Public and Political Rally for Justice
In a separate development, pro-BJP intellectuals, led by party leader and actor Mithun Chakraborty, organized a rally in Kolkata demanding justice for the deceased doctor. This rally, which commemorated Swami Vivekananda’s historic 1893 speech, saw participation from hundreds of BJP activists and saffron-leaning intellectuals.
The situation remains tense as the community grapples with the ramifications of the case and the ongoing protests.