In Kolkata, junior doctors are openly challenging a court ruling as they persist in their protests against the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a government hospital.
The finding of the body of a 31-year-old woman on August 9 has ignited widespread outrage across the nation.
A hospital volunteer has been taken into custody in connection with a crime that is currently under investigation by a federal agency.
As demonstrations wane in various regions of India, medical professionals in Kolkata remain resolute, vowing to persist until their demands are addressed.
Demonstrators have established a presence outside the headquarters of the state’s health department, articulating five primary demands: justice for the victim, the ousting of senior police officials, and improved security measures for health workers, among others.
The Supreme Court’s deadline for their return to work expired on Tuesday evening. The court is presently deliberating on a case concerning the issue at hand.
The recent protests have placed the West Bengal government, with Kolkata as its capital, in a defensive position. The local administration and police have faced criticism from the courts regarding their management of the incident, a claim they have refuted.
The state government has reported that 23 individuals have lost their lives due to a lack of access to medical services amid the ongoing strike. Local channels and social media videos have featured patients claiming that the lack of doctors has negatively impacted their treatment.
Protesting doctors assert they have taken measures to ensure emergency services remain unaffected.
“Senior doctors are exerting every effort possible,” stated Dr. Amrita Bhattacharya, representing the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front.
Healthcare services are being delivered via telemedicine directly from the protest sites. “While we acknowledge that we cannot substitute the facilities of a hospital, our primary focus remains on providing care for patients,” she states.
On Wednesday, authorities rejected the doctors’ proposal to negotiate, which included a request to broadcast their meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee live on television.
Organizers report that although protests occur throughout the state, most are concentrated in Kolkata.
According to The Indian Express, Kolkata has witnessed over 300 rallies in the last month, with a significant number of these midnight events organized by women.
Recent protests have intensified, transforming into chaotic political rallies marked by confrontations between police and demonstrators.
In Kolkata, doctors have frequently been accompanied by various health workers and individuals outside the medical field as they chant slogans, sing, and dance.
Several banners and posters advocating for justice for the victim can be seen behind them. By Indian law, the identities of victims of sex crimes are protected, leading many protesters and media outlets to refer to her as Abhaya. This name translates to ‘fearless.’
Doctors participating in protests have expressed that the violent murder of their colleague at her place of work has deeply unsettled them.
Dr. Bhattacharya recalls that in the past, during her commute to work, her mother would frequently call to inquire whether she had arrived at the hospital safely.
“Reaching the hospital indicates that I am in good condition.” “This is how we were conditioned to think,” she remarked. “How can we return to our jobs with the unsettling reality that those responsible for the murder of our colleague could be walking freely among us?”
On Wednesday, a state minister from West Bengal, which is under the governance of the Trinamool Congress party, claimed that the ongoing protests have been politicized by opposing factions. However, medical professionals assert that they maintain neutrality and are not affiliated with any political party or ideology.
Dr. Sumantra Dey noted that the protests have attracted individuals from diverse backgrounds, including members of various political parties participating in their capacities.
Our mentors are currently experienced senior doctors. “We inquire about the appropriate direction moving forward, and we are also deciding whether to heed their advice,” he stated.
He describes this as a united front, drawing on a football analogy to emphasize his message.
“Whether we are Barcelona or Manchester United, our focus remains on representing India.”