In a powerful show of solidarity, doctors, nurses, medical students, and citizens took to the streets of Kolkata on Mahalaya, demanding justice for a trainee doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital who was raped and murdered on August 9.
The protests stemmed from frustrations over the West Bengal government’s inadequate response to safety concerns raised by junior doctors. Refusing to return to work until their demands are met and justice is served for the victim, the junior doctors expressed their determination to continue their agitation.
Organized by the Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front, the march began at College Street and concluded at Esplanade, where participants raised slogans, carried placards, and waved the Indian flag.
A protestor, who was a colleague of the deceased, emphasized, “We are not in a ‘Puja’ or ‘Utsav’ mood. We will continue our protests until our sister receives justice. We chose Mahalaya to amplify this message.”
As the rally wrapped up, leaders of the Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front reiterated their commitment to the cause. “We will not back down. This is about our safety, our dignity, and justice for Abhaya. The government cannot expect us to stay silent while nothing is done.”
This year, the significance of Mahalaya, marking the start of Durga Puja celebrations, was overshadowed by the tragedy, with many festivities altered in light of the horrific incident.
After the march, protesters lit 1,000 diyas on the banks of the Ganga as a poignant gesture.
“Today marks the 52nd day of our protest, and we still face hostility. There has been no meaningful response from the state government regarding our safety demands,” stated Aniket Mahato, a protesting junior doctor, to the crowd.
Following a consensus on demands in September, doctors had briefly returned to work after a 42-day strike, but renewed their calls for justice just days ago. They allege that vital safety measures, such as the installation of CCTV cameras and round-the-clock security for healthcare workers, remain unimplemented, leaving them vulnerable.
The environment of fear within hospitals, they claim, hampers their ability to provide care. “We entered this profession to serve, but how can we do so when we live in constant fear?” one junior doctor expressed.
Aniket Mahato, a key organizer of the protests, criticized the government’s inaction: “The promises made were hollow. We’re being asked to return to work without any real measures in place to ensure our safety.”
In a poignant tribute, a statue named ‘Abhaya’ was unveiled at RG Kar Hospital, symbolizing the victim’s struggle and the ongoing fight for justice.
