Junior Doctors in Kolkata Hold Torch Rally Demanding Justice for RG Kar Case

On Wednesday evening, junior doctors and citizens in Kolkata held a torch rally. They demanded justice for a medic who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The procession began at the West Bengal Medical Council's office in Salt Lake's Sector 3 and concluded at the CBI's office in the CGO Complex, Sector 1.

Participants, including members of the West Bengal Junior Doctors Forum and various civil society groups, chanted slogans such as "We want justice." They urged the CBI to expedite its investigation into the case. "It's almost three months since the incident happened. The CBI is still investigating the matter. We want them to quicken their probe," one of the protesting doctors stated.

Protest Actions and Symbolism

During the rally, a doctor held a clock to signify the time elapsed since the crime on August 9. Others carried torches and posters urging a swift conclusion to the CBI's investigation. The demonstrators expressed their frustration with the ongoing delay in resolving the case.

At the rally's conclusion, protesters announced plans to switch off lights and light diyas on Kali Puja night to unite people. They also planned to create a rangoli themed "Justice for RG Kar" and observe two minutes of silence. "We will also have Abhaya Sky Lanterns, an attempt to reach her amid our protest," said Debasish Halder, a junior doctor involved in the protest.

Background of the Incident

The body of a female medic was found in RG Kar hospital's seminar hall on August 9. This led junior doctors across West Bengal to cease work, demanding justice and better security in state-run hospitals. Their protests highlighted concerns over safety measures for medical professionals.

On October 5, junior doctors began a fast-unto-death after the West Bengal government failed to meet their 24-hour deadline for addressing their demands. However, they ended their hunger strike on October 24 following discussions with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The rally underscored ongoing tensions between medical professionals and authorities over unresolved safety issues. The protesters' actions aimed to maintain pressure on officials to deliver justice swiftly while highlighting broader concerns about security in healthcare settings.