Protests at RG Kar Medical College: Doctors demand justice and safety amid CBI probe

Following the Calcutta High Court’s direction to initiate a CBI probe into the sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate intern, doctors and medical students of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital expressed their support for the decision but vowed to continue their protests until the perpetrators are identified and punished. They are also demanding installation of CCTV cameras, improved security measures and compensation to the victim’s parents.

Dr. Lahari Sarkar, a junior medical officer, told the media, “We have just received the news that the case has been handed over to the CBI. We welcome this decision wholeheartedly. We support this decision. However, the mere handover of the case does not mean that justice will be done. Therefore, we will continue protesting until the relevant culprits are identified and appropriately punished.” She also stressed that demands for more security and accountability remained unfulfilled.

The emergency services at RG Kar Medical College remain operational while the OPD services are suspended. Dr Sarkar noted, “Our emergency services are still open, our senior doctors and our authorities are helping and conducting the emergency services but the OPD services are not functional at present.” The doctors are planning another meeting to discuss the duration of the protests as their demands have not been met.

Earlier, the Calcutta High Court had directed the Calcutta Police to hand over all relevant documents to the CBI. Protests also broke out at AIIMS Delhi in response to the nationwide shutdown of OPD services ordered by the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA). The court’s decision followed the resignation of Sandip Ghosh, the principal of RG Kar Medical College, who resigned following defamation allegations on social media following the murder of the trainee doctor. Ghosh was subsequently appointed as the principal of the Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, which also led to protests.

(With contributions from agencies.)