The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front has claimed that the state government revoked its permission for a convention scheduled on September 27 to discuss the future of their movement seeking justice for the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder victim. The doctors had recently ended an 11-day sit-in outside Swasthya Bhawan, the state health department headquarters, after partial talks, resuming emergency services at state-run hospitals.
On Wednesday, after meeting representatives from 26 state-run and private medical colleges, the medics stated that false cases have been filed against those supporting their movement and protesting for healthcare system reforms. The administration was accused of maintaining a “vindictive attitude” despite the doctors showing flexibility to resolve the problems. It was further claimed that there has been little visible progress in the investigation of the rape and murder of their colleague.
The doctors alleged that the state has not only withdrawn permission for the convention but also obstructed attempts to book other auditoriums. Despite this, they announced that the convention will proceed at the SSKM auditorium as planned. The state government reportedly questioned their continued agitation, suggesting many of their demands have been addressed.
Labeling this as intimidation, the doctors emphasized that their “apolitical movement” will not end until their objectives are met. They also clarified that they are not involved in a civil society plan to hold a public ‘tarpan’ ceremony for the victim during Mahalaya.