West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated on Monday that Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal had offered to quit in response to the rape and murder of a young doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. However, the Chief Minister has refused to accept the resignation, at least until the end of the forthcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
The Commissioner’s resignation has been one of the most pressing requests of the young doctors who have been protesting since the unfortunate occurrence on August 9. The junior doctor’s body was discovered in the medical college’s seminar hall, causing national indignation and prompting an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Protesters have demanded accountability and increased protection for medical workers in the state.
At an administrative review meeting held at the state secretariat, Nabanna, Banerjee explained her decision to delay the resignation. “The Police Commissioner came to me to tender his resignation… How can I accept that before Durga Puja? He knows all the roads of Kolkata and how to control the situation. After the festive season, we can think about this,” she said.
The Chief Minister also appealed to the striking junior doctors to resume work, emphasizing the importance of their role during the festive season. “Durga Puja is approaching. Let’s return to the festivities together. I urge you to come back to work,” she added.
The junior doctors, on the other hand, remain consistent in their demands, wanting justice for their colleague and improvements to hospital security measures. The strike, which has been going on for more than a month, has caused major disruption to the state’s healthcare services.The CBI is continuing its probe into the matter, and pressure is rising on both the government and police to bring justice quickly.