Amid ongoing protests in Kolkata over the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, junior doctors Rumalika Kumar and Riya Bera, both from RG Kar, expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that their demands for justice have yet to be addressed. They also called for the immediate arrest of all those involved, based on proper evidence.
In a joint press conference on Friday, Kumar said, “Due to a lack of transparency, the investigation was transferred from the Kolkata police to the CBI. However, even after 48 hours, our calls for justice have not been met. We remain unclear about the progress of the investigation.”
Bera added, “We demand the immediate arrest of all those responsible, supported by proper evidence, as well as an official statement from the CBI confirming this, an apology in writing, and the resignation of higher authorities, including the former principal.”
Bera further emphasized that the involved authorities should “be barred from holding any administrative or authoritative roles in any institution for the remainder of their tenure.”
“We continue to seek clarification and proper documentation, including official orders and letters with correct memo numbers and dates, regarding the controversial renovation of the Chest Medicine Department, as reported by several reputable media outlets,” she added.
Bera also urged a CBI investigation into those responsible for the mob attack and vandalism that occurred on the eve of Independence Day at the protest site on the college and hospital campuses.
She demanded a public apology from the Kolkata Police Commissioner for the assault on medical students that occurred on August 10.
“The CBI should immediately investigate those behind the mob attack on August 14, 2024, as well as the attempts to destroy evidence, vandalize government property, and threaten staff on duty. We also demand a public apology from the Police Commissioner for the assault on medical students and junior doctors on August 10, 2024, as well as for the inaction and incompetence shown by the Kolkata Police on Independence Day,” she said.
Regarding the nationwide suspension of OPD and emergency services, Kumar clarified, “Despite recent reports, we want to assure everyone that both services are running smoothly. Our dedicated professors are committed to providing medical care, ensuring that the community continues to receive essential services. There is no reason to believe that medical care access has been compromised.”
The tragic incident took place on August 9, when a postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, sparking protests and strikes from the medical community across the country.
In response, doctors and staff of the Indian Medical Association in Ayodhya held a protest on Friday. Medical students from KMC Medical College and Trichy KAPV Government Medical College in Tamil Nadu also organized a candlelight vigil in solidarity with the victim.
Members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) held a candlelight march in Delhi, demanding justice for the victim. BJP Mahila Morcha members in Jaipur and Bhubaneswar also organized candlelight marches on Friday to show their support.
On August 15, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) announced a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of services by doctors starting at 6 am on Saturday, August 17, until 6 am on Sunday, August 18.
