Kolkata Junior Doctors Demand Police Chief's Resignation Over Incident Handling

Junior doctors in Kolkata demanded the resignation of Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal for lapses in handling a rape and murder case involving a medic. After a 24-hour protest and a meeting with Goyal, they continued their agitation. The police have not commented on the situation.

Agitating junior doctors in Kolkata intensified their demands on Tuesday evening, calling for the resignation of Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal. They handed over a deputation to him, citing lapses in the handling of a recent rape and murder case involving a medical professional.

The doctors staged a prolonged sit-in near the Kolkata Police headquarters, Lalbazar, for over 24 hours. This followed a rally that was stopped by the police force on Monday afternoon. Subsequently, a two-hour-long meeting was held between the junior doctors and the Police Commissioner, after which the doctors left the site.

One of the protesting doctors reported that Goyal admitted to lapses by the police, which they blamed for the crime that occurred on August 9. The body of the post-graduate trainee, an alleged rape and murder victim, was discovered in the seminar room of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The junior doctors, who have been on strike since the incident, also accused the police of failing to prevent vandalism at the hospital on August 14. Despite these admissions, Goyal maintained that his performance was adequate and left his tenure decision to state authorities. The protests are set to continue, with planned statewide actions, including a blackout on September 4 in memory of the deceased doctor.

(With inputs from agencies.)