By Junior doctors in Kolkata are defying a court order by continuing protests over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at a state-run hospital on August 9. The crime, which led to the arrest of a hospital volunteer, has sparked nationwide outrage, with the case now under federal investigation.
While protests have quieted in other parts of India, Kolkata doctors remain steadfast, demanding justice for the victim, the removal of senior police officials, and enhanced security for healthcare workers. Protesters have set up camp outside the state’s health department, refusing to back down despite a Supreme Court deadline to return to work, which passed on Tuesday. The court is currently hearing a case related to the protests.
The strike has put West Bengal’s government under pressure, with the courts criticizing local authorities for their handling of the case, though officials have denied any wrongdoing. The state government claims that 23 people have died from a lack of medical services during the strike, with patients voicing concerns on social media. However, the protesting doctors insist that emergency services are being maintained through telemedicine.
Negotiations with the state government have stalled, with authorities rejecting the doctors’ condition to broadcast their meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee live on television. Tensions have escalated, with some protests turning into political rallies marked by clashes between police and demonstrators.
The protesters, often joined by other health workers and supporters, are demanding justice for the victim, whom they refer to as “Abhaya” (meaning fearless), in line with Indian laws prohibiting the identification of victims of sexual crimes. The murder of their colleague has deeply shaken the medical community, with many doctors feeling unsafe in their workplaces.
Dr. Amrita Bhattacharya, of the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front, said they have been providing healthcare through telemedicine from protest sites, but acknowledged that it cannot fully replace hospital services. Dr. Sumantra Dey emphasized that the protests are a united front, involving participants from all walks of life and political backgrounds, but are not politically motivated. He likened their unity to a football team, stating, “We might be Barcelona, we might be Manchester United, but here we are playing for India.”
