Supreme Court Hears RG Kar Case
Junior Doctors’ Hunger Strike Enters 11th Day
Kolkata: The hunger strike by junior doctors from R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has reached its 11th day. The fast-unto-death demonstration began on the evening of October 5 at Esplanade, triggered by the horrific rape and murder of a junior doctor. Among the first six to begin this agitation was Tanaya Panja, who had to be hospitalized on Monday evening after her health deteriorated.
The protest has seen several junior doctors being hospitalized due to the physical toll of the hunger strike. Besides Panja, other participants who faced medical emergencies include Aniket Mahato of R.G. Kar Medical College, Anustup Mukhopadhyay of Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, Plastya Acharya of N.R.S. Medical College & Hospital, and Aloke Verma of North Bengal Medical College & Hospital in Siliguri.
Supreme Court’s Crucial Hearing Today
The hunger strike by junior doctors coincides with a significant Supreme Court hearing regarding the tragic incident. Scheduled to be heard by a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, the case focuses on the ongoing hunger strike and the investigation into the rape and murder of the 31-year-old resident doctor. In its previous hearing in September, the Supreme Court described the revelations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the case as “disturbing.”
Today’s hearing is expected to address not only the investigation but also the status of the hunger strike, which has drawn national attention. Many in the medical fraternity and the public are awaiting the outcome, hoping for swift justice for the victim.
Parallel Protests and Tension in Kolkata
The hunger strike by junior doctors is taking place amidst a tense atmosphere in Kolkata, where two contrasting events are unfolding. The West Bengal government is hosting the annual carnival of Durga idol immersion, a cultural celebration that attracts large crowds. On the other hand, the medical fraternity is organizing a parallel protest called the “Droh-Carnival,” a human-chain demonstration demanding justice for the deceased doctor.
The Kolkata Police has denied permission for the “Droh-Carnival” protest, citing security reasons. However, the organizers have decided to proceed with the demonstration as planned. As a result, the city police have imposed prohibitory orders around the protest route to maintain order. Despite these restrictions, the hunger strike by junior doctors continues to gain support, drawing attention to their demands for a thorough investigation and accountability.
Health Crisis Among Protesting Doctors
The physical toll of the hunger strike by junior doctors is becoming increasingly apparent. On Monday evening, Tanaya Panja, one of the first doctors to join the fast-unto-death agitation, was hospitalized after she fell unconscious in a nearby restroom. She is now the fifth participant to require medical attention due to deteriorating health conditions. The other four, who hail from various medical colleges across West Bengal, were also admitted to hospitals in recent days after their conditions worsened.
The determination of the protesting doctors has been unwavering, even as their health suffers. They have emphasized that the strike will continue until their demands for justice and a fair investigation are met. The hunger strike by junior doctors has not only highlighted the gravity of the incident but also the broader issues of safety and support for medical professionals in the state.
Public and Political Reactions
The hunger strike by junior doctors and the larger protest movement have sparked widespread reactions. Many in the medical community and the public have expressed solidarity with the protesting doctors, urging the state and central authorities to address their concerns swiftly. The focus remains on ensuring that the victim’s family receives justice and that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
Meanwhile, political tensions in Kolkata have been heightened by the parallel demonstrations and the state’s response. The denial of permission for the “Droh-Carnival” has been criticized by some as an attempt to suppress the voices of the medical fraternity. Yet, the organizers of the human-chain protest have reiterated their commitment to holding the event, even in the face of restrictions.
Call for Justice as Supreme Court Deliberates
As the hunger strike by junior doctors continues and the Supreme Court hears the case, the focus remains firmly on the demand for accountability and justice. The doctors have made it clear that their struggle is not only about the tragic incident at R.G. Kar Medical College but also about ensuring a safe environment for all medical professionals. With the Supreme Court’s intervention, there is hope for a resolution that addresses the concerns of the protesting doctors and brings closure to the victim’s family.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on current events and public statements. It aims to provide information on the ongoing protest and related legal proceedings. The content does not intend to influence any party’s viewpoint or interfere with the judicial process. Opinions expressed in the article are those of the respective individuals and not of this platform.