A broader extent of protests and strikes in West Bengal has been reported over the alleged molestation and killing of a graduate doctor working as a trainee at RG Kar Medical College situated in Kolkata. The incident that caused fear among the citizens of the state has raised concerns from different sectors including politics, doctors’ associations and ordinary people.
On Friday, 16th August 2023, the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) demanded a twelve-hour bandh across the state demanding justice for the victim and condemning the vandalism that happened at RG Kar Medical College after the crime. Consequently, daily life is heavily disrupted in some places with closure of shops and interruption in transport services. Meanwhile, the Kolkata Metro Railway announced it would continue normal operations despite the bandh.
Candlelight marches are also being organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mahila Morcha all over West Bengal apart from this bandh. Calling for her resignation, these demonstrations include a crucial one at the home of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as they point out that this state administration has not kept women safe. This march would see veteran leaders from BJP present such as National Mahila Morcha president Vanati Srinivasan and Rajya Sabha MP Darshan Singh leading it at RG Kar Medical College.
In response to the increasing tension, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared her intention to spearhead a demonstration on August 17, demanding the death penalty for those accused. She has also requested the CBI, which has taken charge of the inquiry, to speed up its inquiries and bring about justice by the end of this week.
The medical community has also expressed indignation. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a 24-hour worldwide suspension of non-emergency medical services on August 17 in sympathy with the victim and to condemn the violence at the hospital. The Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs) will organise a protest march in Delhi, while the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) will rally in Mumbai.
The sad tragedy has not only raised concerns about women’s safety and violence, but it has also resulted in a major mobilisation of numerous organisations seeking responsibility and fast justice. More demonstrations are likely in the following days as West Bengal, and the nation as a whole, struggle with the enormity of the murder.
