West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is leading a rally on August 16 to protest the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The rally, organized by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), will march from Moulali to Dharmatala, demanding justice. TMC MP Derek O'Brien has called for daily updates from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and urged for swift justice with severe punishment for the perpetrators.
Conversely, the BJP is demanding Banerjee's resignation due to the vandalism at Kar Medical College. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar criticized the state's law and order situation and announced that the BJP women’s wing will hold a candlelight rally to Banerjee’s residence in Kalighat on Friday. Additionally, the party will stage a sit-in demonstration near Kar Medical College.
In reaction to the incident, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) declared a 24-hour suspension of non-essential services, including outpatient departments (OPDs) and elective surgeries, starting August 17. Resident Doctors' Associations (RDAs) across Delhi are also planning a protest march at Nirman Bhavan.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, leading to vandalism at the hospital, with a mob damaging the emergency room and CCTV cameras. The Kolkata Police have arrested 24 individuals involved in the vandalism.
Former hospital principal Sandip Ghosh, who resigned after the incident, sought protection from the Calcutta High Court, citing threats to his life. The court has ordered police protection for him, and the CBI has started questioning Ghosh and other medical staff. This tragic event has ignited protests and calls for accountability, with various organizations standing in solidarity with the victim.
