Kolkata Rape-Murder Case: Bengal Doctors Stage Torch Rally Ahead Of Crucial Supreme Court Hearing Today

Junior doctors from various government hospitals in West Bengal, alongside concerned citizens, organized torch rallies across the state on Sunday.

The protests were in response to the rape and murder of a woman trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, as well as growing concerns over the safety and security of medical professionals in hospitals.

Bengal Doctors Stage Torch Rally Ahead SC Court Hearing Today

The rallies, held at locations such as RG Kar Hospital, Sagore Dutta Hospital, SSKM Hospital, Calcutta Medical College, and Jadavpur in South Kolkata, were led by the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front. This umbrella organization, representing medical professionals across the state, highlighted the urgent need to address the "threat culture" in medical colleges, where students and staff are often subjected to intimidation.

The protests come just a day before a significant Supreme Court hearing regarding the case. Demonstrators are calling for swift justice for the victim and demanding that the state government take immediate steps to improve security in hospitals.

The tragic incident occurred on August 9, when the woman trainee doctor was found dead in a seminar room at RG Kar Hospital. Investigations revealed that the victim had been sexually assaulted and severely injured. The primary suspect, Sanjay Roy, was arrested after being identified from CCTV footage near the crime scene, where his Bluetooth headphones were also found. The case was later handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further inquiry.

In addition to seeking justice for the victim, the protests have been fueled by a recent incident at Sagore Dutta Hospital, where three doctors and three nurses were allegedly assaulted. This attack, according to the medics, reflects the government's failure to implement promised security measures for hospital staff.

Junior doctors had previously staged a 41-day cease-work protest over the incident, and on Saturday, they threatened to resume the strike if the state government does not take concrete steps to enhance safety at hospitals. They have given the government until Monday to respond to their demands.

As tensions rise, the outcome of the Supreme Court hearing will be closely watched, with many hoping for a resolution that addresses both the justice for the victim and the safety concerns of medical professionals across the state.