Nationwide Protests Erupt Over Rape and Murder of Trainee Doctor in Kolkata

The CBI is investigating the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College. Nationwide protests by medical professionals, led by the IMA, demand justice. Emergency services will continue, but OPDs and elective surgeries are halted as part of the protest.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently investigating the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal BJP President and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar stated on Saturday. He emphasized the importance of trusting the probe agency to conduct a thorough investigation.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed that the incident has raised nationwide concerns regarding the safety of medical staff. 'The safety of doctors and nurses is not just a local issue but a national security and societal matter,' Rijiju remarked, noting the general public's agitation.

Doctors across the country have continued their protests, with resident doctors at Rajkot Civil Hospital and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Ahmedabad holding rallies. In response to the outrage, the IMA announced a 24-hour withdrawal of services by all modern medicine doctors, excluding emergencies and casualties.

Services were halted from 6 am on Saturday to 6 am on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Protests extended to Delhi's UCMS and GTBH, where doctors suspended OPD, elective, and laboratory services. Chennai also saw resident doctors from Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and Madras Medical College protest, demanding justice for the victim.

A protesting doctor in Chennai stated, 'Emergency services will continue, but elective services are boycotted as we seek justice for the victim and her family. Despite a week passing, the investigation has seen only scapegoats arrested, with the true culprits still at large.' The incident occurred on August 9, causing nationwide outrage.

The protests escalated into vandalism on Wednesday at RG Kar Medical College, leading security personnel to disperse the crowd.

(With inputs from agencies.)