A group of protesting junior doctors from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata reached Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence at 6:30 PM, demanding the live streaming of their meeting with the CM regarding the ongoing protest over a trainee doctor’s rape and murder. CM Banerjee has been attempting to convince the doctors to end their strike since September 10. She assured them that discussions would be recorded, but there was no agreement on live streaming.
CM Mamata Banerjee Appeals to Doctors
This was the second meeting between the doctors and the CM within five hours. Earlier, Mamata Banerjee met the protesting doctors at the Swasthya Bhawan around 1:30 PM. The doctors have been protesting for 36 days demanding justice for the trainee doctor. Mamata Banerjee stated, “I am here not as a Chief Minister but as your elder sister to hear your grievances.”
She added: “Return to work, and I will consider your demands. I will request the CBI to ensure the culprits receive the death penalty. I salute your protest and will not let any injustice happen to you.”
Police Take Action and Government Response
The protesting doctors’ delegation reached the CM’s residence in Kalighat. Mamata assured them that no action would be taken against them, emphasizing her belief in democratic movements. Additionally, she announced the dissolution of the Patient Welfare Committees in all government hospitals across the state.
Despite multiple attempts by the CM to engage in dialogue, the doctors have rejected three of her proposals, listing five main demands and four conditions for negotiations. The junior doctors have been on strike for over a month, calling for justice in the rape-murder case.
Mother of the Trainee Doctor Speaks Out
The victim’s mother expressed hope that the discussions between the protesting doctors and the CM would yield results. She emphasized that mere statements about punishing the guilty were insufficient and that the CM needed to fulfill the doctors’ demands.
Protests and Government Attempts to End the Strike
- September 10: The doctors marched from Police Headquarters to Swasthya Bhawan. The Mamata government called them for a meeting at Nabanna Secretariat, but the doctors refused to attend, citing the involvement of the health secretary they were protesting against.
- September 11: The junior doctors asked the West Bengal government for a meeting time via email. The government offered 6 PM, but the doctors remained firm on their four conditions for discussions.
- September 12: The government invited the doctors for the third time. 32 doctors reached the secretariat, but the government allowed only 15 to enter and informed them that the meeting would not be live telecasted, prompting the doctors to boycott the meeting.
Supreme Court Intervention
On September 9, the Supreme Court ordered the junior doctors to resume work by 5 PM on September 10, warning of strict action if they disobeyed. However, the doctors have stated that they will not return to duty until their demands are met.
Doctors’ Clinic Outside Swasthya Bhawan
On September 13, the junior doctors set up the “Abhaya Clinic” outside Swasthya Bhawan, providing medical services to the public. Despite heavy rainfall, they continued their protest, demanding justice for the victim named “Abhaya,” inspired by the Nirbhaya case.
Appeal to PM Modi and President Murmu
The doctors have written to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting their intervention. In their letter, they expressed the need for support to overcome the darkness surrounding the incident.
“As the leaders of the country, we place our issues before you so that justice can be served to our unfortunate colleague who fell victim to this heinous crime. Your intervention during this difficult time will act as a beacon of light for us, showing a way out of this darkness.”
Further developments on the case and protests are awaited.
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