WBJDF Convention Calls for Justice and Rally to CBI Office
West Bengal’s junior doctors intensified their struggle for justice in the RG Kar
Medical College (Kolkata) case on Saturday by holding a mass convention five days after
finishing their fast-unto-death. The doctors met at RG Kar Medical College with
representatives from civil society and Bengali entertainment personalities, and they
decided to march to the CBI office in Kolkata on October 30.
Representatives from several state-run institutions attended the convention, which
was organised by the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Forum (WBJDF). “It’s been more
than two-and-a-half months since our beloved sister was tortured and murdered,
and we still don’t know who the real culprit is,” said protest leader Aniket Mahato,
who expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of progress. Participants held a
candlelight and torch ceremony after the conference, symbolising their commitment.
New Association Emerges Amid Allegations of Intimidation
Thirty-two speakers, including celebrities and representatives of civil society,
discussed topics such as the purported culture of intimidation in hospitals and ways
to pressure the government for an open investigation and changes to safeguard
medical personnel during the six-hour conference. Following the doctor’s death on
August 9, the junior doctors launched a 42-day “cease-work” protest. This came to an
end when the state administration, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata
Banerjee, promised to take their requests into account. The doctors, however, claim
that efforts have been taken to hide the incident’s true nature. Another
demonstrator, Kinjal Nanda, expressed displeasure, stating, “We want to clean the
system as well as justice.”
The movement was further heightened when a group of doctors who had been
suspended on charges of encouraging a “threat culture” in hospitals were granted a
stay order by the Calcutta High Court and declared the founding of the West Bengal
Junior Doctors’ Association.
The doctors’ dedication to securing justice for their colleague and the continuous
conflict with state authorities was highlighted by the march on October 30.
Allegations and Viral Video Place Avik De at Center of RG Kar Controversy
Avik De, a first-year postgraduate trainee in the surgery department of SSKM, was
suspended by the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) on September 2 for
his suspected involvement in the RG Kar Hospital scandal. According to Trinankur
Bhattacharjee, head of the TMCP, De’s suspension is “Effective immediately until the
investigation begins.” The suspension comes after a video that was leaked identified
De at the August 9 murder scene at RG Kar, where the body of a slain doctor was
discovered.
It’s found on 24th October that De is apparently linked to a larger network that is
said to have enabled a “Cheating Syndicate” in MBBS exams, assisting students in
purchasing favourable outcomes. Furthermore, it has been reported that young
women were taken to guest houses, made to serve alcohol, and performed while
being threatened with academic failure if they objected.
These claims reveal possible coercive tactics, corruption in medical education, and
abuse of authority among students. As the investigation goes on, demands for an
open inquiry into De’s role and the larger syndicate’s power have grown.
Reported by Ankitaa Bal
For
TRUE TO LIFE News Media