Siliguri Paralyzed by 12-Hour Strike Over RG Kar Medical College Tragedy

The Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) initiated a 12-hour strike in Siliguri to protest the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The strike, predominantly supported by the public, severely disrupted normal life and drew attention to nationwide medical community protests.

A 12-hour general strike in Siliguri, organized by the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist), severely disrupted normal life on Friday. The strike was a reaction to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College.

Dr. Shahriar Alam, a member of SUCI (Communist), stated, 'Today this strike has a huge impact. People have spontaneously responded to our call; vehicles remain off the roads, and shops are closed. We protest against the heinous incident and the vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.'

The brutal rape and murder followed by an attack on medical staff by external goons have sparked nationwide protests. A nationwide medical service withdrawal has been announced from Saturday, August 17, to Sunday, August 18. Police estimated a mob of 5,000 to 7,000 people, including several individuals, invaded the hospital premises on August 14, escalating the situation.