Junior doctors in West Bengal are protesting the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, defying a Supreme Court deadline for Tuesday. They have vowed to continue protesting until their demands are met.
The West Bengal government offered a meeting slot with junior doctors but rejected their demand for a live telecast. Doctors were seen protesting outside Swasthya Bhawan as the impasse continued.
Despite the government’s acceptance of some demands, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s presence at the meeting, the doctors insisted on a live telecast, causing further deadlock.
Chief Secretary Manoj Pant allowed 32 junior doctors for the meeting, despite the initial limit set at 15. Banerjee expressed willingness to resign for the people’s sake as protests intensified.
Amidst the standoff, Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose announced a social boycott of Banerjee. BJP criticized Banerjee’s resignation offer as a “drama,” while TMC slammed the governor’s actions.
The ongoing protests have put a spotlight on the need for justice and better security at hospitals in West Bengal, with demands including increased CCTV coverage and deployment of female security personnel.
Meanwhile, the CBI questioned TMC MLA Sudipto Roy in connection with the rape and murder case, and BJP youth activists staged a protest demanding action against police officials.