The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has announced a nationwide shutdown of outpatient department (OPD) services from Tuesday in response to the tragic alleged rape and murder of a young doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This incident has sparked widespread protests and demands for justice across the country.
Key Developments:
- CBI Investigation Ordered: The Calcutta High Court has directed a CBI investigation into the alleged rape and murder. The court has instructed police to hand over all documents related to the case by 10 am on Wednesday.
- Principal Under Scrutiny: The Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court questioned the decision to reappoint the RG Kar Medical College principal to another government college after his resignation, urging him to submit a leave application or face a court order.
- NHRC Involvement: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, West Bengal, seeking a detailed report on the incident.
- Indian Medical Association’s Response: The IMA expressed deep shock and urged the Union Health Ministry to reconsider introducing the Draft Legislation of “Healthcare Service Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of violence and damage to property) Bill 2019” in Parliament.
- Trinamool Congress and Opposition’s Statements: TMC leader Kunal Ghosh emphasized the gravity of the situation, while Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar criticized the West Bengal Chief Minister for delaying the CBI probe.
- Protests and Strikes:
- Junior doctors at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital questioned the CM’s seven-day deadline to solve the case.
- Major hospitals in New Delhi, including AIIMS, Maulana Azad Medical College, and Safdarjung Hospital, joined the strike in solidarity.
- Students at Kolkata Medical College closed the college gates, refusing to allow the reappointed principal inside.
Case Details:
- Crime Details: The accused, Sanjay Roy, allegedly committed the crime and then went to a police barrack to sleep. Investigations revealed that he had a history of physical abuse and was married four times.
- Police Action: Four junior doctors who had dinner with the deceased doctor, along with other hospital staff, have been summoned for questioning.
Public Reaction:
- Protests Planned: Women in Kolkata and other parts of Bengal plan to protest late Wednesday night, calling it a march “For women’s independence on the midnight of independence.”
