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RG Kar Case Junior Doctors Protest
Junior Doctors Continue Protest Over RG Kar Case
The ongoing protests by junior doctors at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata took a dramatic turn on Saturday when a scheduled meeting between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and a delegation from the West Bengal Junior Doctor’s Forum (WBJDF) failed to take place. The doctors, who have been protesting against the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor, refused to meet with the Chief Minister after their demand for a live telecast or video recording of the proceedings was denied.
Talks Fail Over Transparency Dispute
The delegation of 30 junior doctors from RG Kar Medical College had hoped to meet with the Chief Minister to discuss their demands. However, they insisted that the meeting be recorded or live-streamed for transparency, which Banerjee refused due to the case being under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. Despite this, the Chief Minister offered the junior doctors the opportunity to review the government’s recording after receiving approval from the court.
Banerjee’s invitation to meet “over a cup of tea” was also rejected, with the junior doctors maintaining their stance that transparency in the discussions was necessary, especially since they were representing a larger group of protesting doctors. They argued that a video recording would ensure accountability and clarity in the communication of their demands.
Chief Minister’s Efforts to Engage
Banerjee expressed her disappointment at the breakdown of talks, stating that the request for the meeting came from the junior doctors, and their insistence on a live telecast had not been mentioned in earlier communications. She emphasized her readiness to listen to their concerns and urged them not to insult her by refusing to meet after she had waited for their arrival.
The junior doctors’ representatives explained that since the protests involved a large number of their colleagues, particularly those staging a sit-in at the state Health Department headquarters in Salt Lake, video documentation was essential for ensuring that all voices were accurately represented.
Protests Continue Despite Dialogue Attempts
Earlier in the day, Banerjee made a surprise visit to the protest site, where she was greeted with chants of “We want justice” from the gathered junior doctors. She addressed the protesters, urging them to return to their duties while promising that their demands would be considered gradually. Her visit was accompanied by West Bengal Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar, as the protest continued despite her attempts at negotiation.
Banerjee stated that she came to the protest site as their “Didi” (sister) and not merely as the Chief Minister. She expressed her solidarity with the protesters, acknowledging the difficult circumstances under which they had been demonstrating, including braving torrential rain. She also mentioned her own involvement in student movements, attempting to establish a personal connection with the demonstrators.
Demands for Justice and Accountability
The crux of the RG Kar Medical College protest lies in the demand for justice following the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor. The junior doctors have called for swift action against those responsible, with the Chief Minister assuring them that she would request the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure capital punishment for the guilty parties within the next three months. She also vowed to take action against any individuals found to be involved in the crime.
However, despite these assurances, the junior doctors remained steadfast in their demands, particularly concerning the transparency of future meetings. They expressed willingness to engage in discussions but insisted that accountability must be ensured through video documentation of all proceedings.
Previous Talks Also Derailed
The failed talks on Saturday were not the first attempt at negotiation between the junior doctors and the state government. An earlier meeting scheduled for Thursday at the state secretariat, Nabanna, was also called off after the government refused the doctors’ demand for a live telecast of the proceedings. On that occasion, the delegation of 30 junior doctors arrived at the Secretariat but left without holding any discussions.
The ongoing stalemate highlights the deep distrust between the junior doctors and the state government, particularly over issues of transparency and communication. As the protests continue, the doctors remain determined to see their demands met, including ensuring justice for the victim and maintaining accountability in their negotiations with the government.
Victim’s Family Demands Justice
Adding to the pressure on the state government, the mother of the deceased trainee doctor has also voiced her demands for justice. While she expressed a desire for a resolution to the ongoing protests, she insisted that justice must first be served for her daughter. “The Chief Minister has claimed that anyone who is found guilty will be punished. There are many who are guilty. I want all of them to be punished,” she said.
This sentiment resonates with the junior doctors, whose protest at RG Kar Medical College is rooted in a shared demand for accountability, not just for the crime but also in the way the state government handles their concerns.
Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead
The protests at RG Kar Medical College highlight the complex relationship between the medical community and the state government. While the Chief Minister has made efforts to engage with the protesting doctors, the breakdown of talks over issues of transparency indicates that a resolution may still be far off. As the junior doctors continue their protest, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victim and fostering open, accountable communication between the government and medical professionals.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the current state of protests at RG Kar Medical College. The content reflects ongoing discussions and should be regarded as a summary of events rather than legal or official conclusions.
