Kolkata Rape Case: In a bold solidarity- and justice-seeking move, the Indian Medical Association declared on Saturday that all non-emergency medical services would be withdrawn nationwide from 6 a.m. on August 17 to 6 a.m. the next day. The strike is in response to the shock and disbelief over the rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor in the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital here in Kolkata, and subsequent vandalism.
Essential Services to Remain Operational During Strike
The casualty wards and all other emergency services would continue to function normally, while the OPD services would remain suspended and the elective surgeries would be put off in all sectors where the modern medicine practitioners are involved. The decision by IMA reflects the serious view of the issue at hand and commitment for securing justice to the victim.
The incident, which occurred on 9 August, has sparked a wave of protests by doctors and students from the country’s medical colleges. Doctors, students, and other medical professionals are not only mourning the loss but have raised a vociferous demand for enhanced security arrangements for healthcare workers who find themselves increasingly vulnerable in their workplaces.
Father’s Pain- A Call for Justice Over Compensation
The father of the deceased doctor has spoken openly about his plight and dissatisfaction with the situation. He said, “It is not lawfully appropriate to give details on our conversation with the CBI. I can’t give you details on the questioning that has been done in connection with this case. They have recorded our statement and taken it in writing.”
He added, “I express gratitude to everyone, regarding the protest that has been happening across the country and world. I consider everyone who is standing with us, as my sons and daughters…CBI has assured us that the accused will be arrested at the earliest and awarded strict punishment based on whatever we have told them…I have turned down the compensation. It will hurt my daughter if I accept money as compensation for her death. I want justice.”
Former Principal Sandeep Ghosh’s Role Under Investigation
CBI, to whom the probe was handed over, would question Sandeep Ghosh, former Principal of RG Kar Medical College, in this connection. Having been a Principal at the time of incidence, Ghosh was being questioned not just for this case but because of his earlier allegations against him for corruption. Already, statements have been recorded by the agency from 15 people, including those in the victim’s family, and it will probe deeper into the role played by Ghosh and his possible complicity.
As the probe continues and the protests grow, the call for justice is loud across the nation. It’s a demand not only for accountability but also to have a safer and more secure environment for people who work tirelessly to save lives.