Doctors in West Bengal have vowed to continue their strike in protest of the rape and murder of an RG Kar Medical College and Hospital trainee doctor, despite the Supreme Court’s directive to resume work by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA)’s Bengal branch expressed disappointment with the court’s decision, stating they were “totally disheartened” by the ruling. Protests have intensified across Kolkata, with junior doctors demanding justice for the victim. In various parts of the city, including Shyambazar, Esplanade, New Town, and Jadavpur, rallies were held as part of the ‘9-9-9’ event, where crowds gathered for nine minutes at 9 p.m. on Monday, singing the national anthem and calling for justice.
The Supreme Court’s order followed an assurance from the West Bengal government that no punitive action, such as transfers, would be taken against the protesting doctors if they resumed work. However, the striking doctors remain firm, planning further demonstrations, including a rally to ‘Swasthya Bhavan’ – the health department’s headquarters in Salt Lake – on Tuesday. They are demanding the resignation of the state’s health secretary and director of health education, citing unmet demands and a lack of justice for the victim.
The IMA Bengal state branch also criticized the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the West Bengal government, accusing them of failing to take sufficient action to ensure justice for the trainee doctor and to address the health syndicate problem. The IMA emphasized that the protests will only grow stronger until a resolution is achieved.
In response, the ruling Trinamool Congress welcomed the Supreme Court’s order for doctors to return to work, stating that saving lives is the medics’ primary duty, which cannot be compromised.
Meanwhile, the victim’s mother has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of lying about not offering financial compensation. She claimed that Banerjee did offer money after her daughter’s tragic death, but she declined, insisting she would only accept the money after justice is served.
During Monday’s Supreme Court hearing, the CBI expressed concerns over the forensic report of the postgraduate doctor, deciding to send samples to AIIMS for further investigation. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, informed the court that the medical report indicated the death was homicidal and there was evidence of sexual assault.