Political Fallout Over Kolkata Trainee Doctor's Tragedy

Akhilesh Yadav criticized the BJP for politicizing the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College. The Indian Medical Association announced a nationwide service withdrawal to protest, and 19 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for attempting to politicize the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Yadav condemned the BJP's calls for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation, emphasizing that Banerjee, as a woman, understands the trauma and has taken appropriate action. He added that the state government had decided to involve the CBI or other institutions for a thorough investigation.

"Mamata Banerjee herself is a woman and understands the pain of a woman. She has taken action as per demand. The government has also decided to get the matter investigated by CBI or any other institution. But along with this, the people of the Bharatiya Janata Party should not do politics... BJP should not derive political advantage from the incidents," Yadav asserted. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, prompting reactions from diverse sections of society.

Earlier in the day, junior doctors and medical students held protests at AIIMS Hospital in Mangalagiri and Delhi's Lady Hardinge Medical College. West Bengal Congress workers and ABVP activists also demonstrated against the incident, criticizing the TMC government. In response, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) announced a nationwide 24-hour withdrawal of services by modern medicine doctors, to take place from 6 am on Saturday, August 17 to 6 am Sunday, August 18.

IMA National President Dr. Asokan stated on Saturday that the time is ripe for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the case, adding that they would be writing to him. The IMA's protest will see OPDs and elective surgeries halted, while emergency services will continue during the 24-hour period.

On August 14, a mob of approximately 5,000 to 7,000 individuals invaded RG Kar Medical College, attacking protesting doctors and medical students and causing chaos. Security officials were forced to disperse the crowd. Kolkata police announced that they had arrested 19 suspects involved in the mob violence on August 16. The horrific incident on August 9, involving the death of the postgraduate trainee doctor, has led to ongoing nationwide protests by the medical community.

(With inputs from agencies.)