Junior Doctors in Kolkata Protest Rape and Murder of Trainee Colleague

Junior doctors in Kolkata held a protest demanding justice for the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee urged doctors to return to work, offering assurances and expressing her commitment to justice and healthcare for citizens.

Junior doctors in Kolkata continued their protests on Friday against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The protest was held near Swasthya Bhawan in the Salt Lake Area of Kolkata, where doctors chanted slogans demanding justice for the victim.

On Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged the protesting doctors to return to work. She emphasized her lack of concern for her CM post, stating her priority lies in seeking justice for the RG Kar rape-murder victim and ensuring medical treatment for the public.

"I am ready to resign from the Chief Minister of West Bengal. I am not concerned about the post. I want justice for the victim. I am only concerned about ordinary people getting medical service," Banerjee declared during a press conference.

She assured the public that no action would be taken against the protesting doctors. Banerjee said, "I tried my best to engage with the junior doctors. I waited three days for them to discuss their issues, even after they didn't comply with the Supreme Court verdict. I waited with my top officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, DG, and my MoS."

"I apologize to the people of this country and the world supporting the doctors. We want justice for the victim, and for the common people. As per Supreme Court instruction, the doctors must resume duty. Three days have passed since the verdict, but no disciplinary action has been taken," Banerjee added.

On September 12, Banerjee convened a meeting to review the functioning of health facilities, safety, and patient services in the state, inviting key health and law enforcement officials.

The incident, involving the rape and murder of a second-year postgraduate medical student inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College on August 9, has sparked widespread outrage. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)