RG Kar Medical College Protests: Doctors Demand Justice, Security Over CBI Probe

Doctors at RG Kar Medical College welcome CBI probe into a trainee’s murder but vow to continue protests until security measures are improved and justice is served. They demand CCTV installation, compensation for the victim’s family, and management accountability. Emergency services remain operational; however, OPD services are suspended.

Following the Calcutta High Court's directive for a CBI investigation into the sexual assault and murder of a woman postgraduate trainee, doctors and medical students at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital expressed support for the decision but pledged to persist with their protests until the perpetrators are identified and punished. Additionally, they demand the installation of CCTV cameras, enhanced security measures, and compensation for the victim's parents.

Addressing the media, Dr. Lahari Sarkar, a resident doctor, stated, "We have just received the update about the case being transferred to the CBI. We welcome this decision with all our support. We support this decision. However, just handing over the case doesn't mean justice is served, so we will continue the protests until the appropriate culprits are identified and proper punishment is given." She further highlighted that demands for improved security and accountability remain unmet.

Emergency services at RG Kar Medical College will remain operational, while OPD services are suspended. Dr. Sarkar remarked, "Our emergency services are still open, our senior doctors and our authorities are helping with that and running the emergency services, but OPD services are not functional right now." The doctors plan to hold another meeting to discuss the duration of the protests as their demands have not been fulfilled.

Earlier, the Calcutta High Court ordered the Kolkata Police to hand over all relevant documents to the CBI. Protests also occurred at AIIMS Delhi in response to the nationwide shutdown of OPD services called by the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA). The Court's decision follows the resignation of RG Kar Medical College Principal Sandip Ghosh, who stepped down amid social media defamation allegations after the trainee doctor's murder. Ghosh was subsequently appointed as principal of Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, which also spurred protests.

(With inputs from agencies.)