Junior Doctors in West Bengal Resume Strike Over Trainee's Rape and Murder

Junior doctors in West Bengal have resumed their strike to demand safety and security measures following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. They are pressing the Mamata Banerjee government with a list of demands, including the installation of CCTV cameras and representation in decision-making committees.

In a renewed protest, junior doctors in West Bengal on Tuesday resumed their total 'cease work' strike, demanding stringent safety measures following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The doctors are pushing the Mamata Banerjee government to address their concerns urgently.

After an intense eight-hour meeting, the junior doctors listed 10 demands, including enhanced hospital security, improved health infrastructure, and an end to the culture of threats and political interference in medical establishments. The West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front declared, 'We are compelled to return to a full ceasework starting from today. Without clear action from the government on safety, patient services, and the politics of fear, our strike will persist.'

The Junior Doctors expressed frustration over the slow CBI investigation and the prolonged judicial process by the Supreme Court. 'We realized how slow the CBI's investigation is, and the judiciary's delays only add to our disappointment. We have demanded immediate actions, but the state government has not responded adequately,' the doctors stated. Despite meetings and correspondences with top officials, including the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary, the doctors say their security concerns remain unaddressed, and CCTV installations have been minimal. The doctors insist on being included in hospital decision-making committees to ensure their representation and safety.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has taken cognizance of the RG Kar incident, directing social media platforms to remove any posts revealing the victim's identity. Senior Advocate Indira Jaisingh highlighted the seriousness of the case, noting the presence of elected council members at the crime scene. The case has been adjourned for further hearing after the Dussehra vacation.

(With inputs from agencies.)