Kolkata Rape-Murder: Supreme Court Issues 5 PM Deadline for Doctors; Striking Medics Express Disheartenment | 10 Updates

West Bengal:In the ongoing unrest over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, junior doctors in West Bengal have announced their decision to persist with their "cease work" protest, defying a Supreme Court directive to resume duties by 5 pm on Tuesday, September 10.

The protest, which has seen widespread participation, included rallies across Kolkata in an event termed ‘9-9-9’. At precisely 9 pm on Monday evening, hundreds gathered at various locations including Shyambazar, Esplanade, New Town, Jadavpur 8B terminus, Bally, and Mandirtala in neighboring Howrah town, demanding justice for the victim. The gatherings were marked by the singing of the national anthem.

Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case: 10 Key Updates

1. Supreme Court Directive: On Monday, the Supreme Court directed the striking medics to return to work by 5 pm Tuesday to avoid potential punitive action from the West Bengal government. This order came after the state government assured that no adverse measures, including transfers, would be taken against the protesting doctors if they complied.

2. Upcoming Rally: The striking doctors have announced plans for a rally to ‘Swasthya Bhavan’—the health department headquarters in Salt Lake—on Tuesday at noon, demanding the resignation of the state's health secretary and director of health education.

3. Ongoing Agitation: Despite the Supreme Court's order, the doctors have pledged to continue their protest and cease work until their demands are met. "Our demands are unfulfilled and justice is not meted out to the victim. We want the health secretary and DHE to resign. Tomorrow noon, we will hold a rally to the Swasthya Bhavan," a protesting doctor said, as reported by PTI.

4. Criticism of Investigations: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bengal state branch has criticized both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the West Bengal government for not taking sufficient steps to ensure justice for the trainee doctor and to address issues within the health sector.

5. Strengthening Protests: The IMA has declared that protests "won't die down" and will become "more stronger" until a resolution is achieved.

6. Discontent with Proceedings: The IMA expressed deep disappointment with the Supreme Court's handling of the case and the CBI's progress, stating that no steps have been taken for a speedy trial. The IMA voiced frustration over the court's instruction for doctors to return to work.

7. Trinamool Congress Reaction: The ruling Trinamool Congress welcomed the Supreme Court's directive for doctors to resume work, emphasizing that the primary duty of medical professionals is to save lives.

8. Accusations Against Chief Minister: The mother of the deceased trainee doctor has accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of lying about offering financial compensation. She stated, "The Chief Minister is lying. My daughter will not return. Would I lie in her name? The Chief Minister told us that we would receive money and suggested that we create something in our daughter's memory," as reported by ANI.

9. Forensic Report Issues: During the Supreme Court hearing, the CBI raised concerns about the forensic report, deciding to send samples to AIIMS for further investigation, according to PTI.

10. CBI’s Findings: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the medical report indicated the death was homicidal, with evidence of forceful penetration and sexual assault.

As the situation unfolds, the demand for justice and accountability continues to resonate strongly among the protestors and the wider community.