RG Kar Principal Resigns; Doctors Strike for CBI Probe

The principal of RG Kar Medical College has resigned as the doctors’ strike continues, with demands for a CBI probe into the alleged rape and murder of a junior doctor. The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) initiated a nationwide strike on Monday, with doctors gathering outside hospitals across the country, including Lok Nayak Hospital and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi, to demand justice for the victim.

FORDA General Secretary Sarvesh Pandey stated that approximately 3 lakh doctors have joined the protest and emphasized that the strike would continue indefinitely until their demands are met. The doctors are calling for a CBI investigation, a fast-track court, and the establishment of a committee to implement the Central Protection Act in all hospitals.

FORDA India President Dr. Aviral Mathur expressed confidence that their demands would be fulfilled, and emergency services are continuing to avoid patient suffering. A protesting doctor at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital highlighted three key demands: a CBI fast-track investigation due to perceived bias in the state government’s probe, the removal of insensitive RG Kar Medical College authorities, and the implementation of the Central Protection Act across all hospitals in India.

The resignation of Prof. (Dr.) Sandip Ghosh, the principal of RG Kar Medical College, came after accusations of insensitivity and defamation on social media. In his resignation, he expressed that the deceased doctor was like a daughter to him and hoped that such incidents would not happen in the future. Meanwhile, Kolkata police have summoned three junior doctors and one house staff who were on duty the night of the incident, which occurred on August 9, sparking widespread outrage and protests.