West Bengal Erupts in Protests Over RG Kar Medical College Rape-Murder Case

The Indian Secular Front (ISF) and various groups held protests demanding justice following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. Protesters called for the resignation of the Health Minister and urged cooperation with the CBI for a fair investigation.

On Sunday, the Indian Secular Front (ISF) mobilized a protest in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, demanding justice in the high-profile rape-murder case at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The demonstrators called for severe punishment for the culprits and the resignation of West Bengal's Health Minister.

ISF chief and Bhangar MLA, Pirzada Mohammad Naushad Siddiqui, emphasized the necessity for swift justice. "We want the culprit to be punished as soon as possible. There is corruption in the health department, and the health system has collapsed. We demand the health minister's resignation," Siddiqui declared. He also urged the West Bengal government to cooperate with the CBI for a fair investigation.

In a related turn of events, Parimal Dey, a teacher from Alipurduar honored with the Banga Ratna award in 2019, announced his decision to return the accolade in protest against the state's handling of the case. The West Bengal Motion Picture Artists' Forum also staged a protest in Tollygunge, urging the administration to take responsibility. The Supreme Court has since ordered the security of Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College to be managed by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) while the investigation continues.

(With inputs from agencies.)