NEW DELHI: Junior doctors in West Bengal, currently engaged in an indefinite hunger strike, have accused the authorities of hindering their protest efforts. The doctors allege that the state police are employing intimidation tactics, obstructing essential supplies such as water and bio-toilets, and even physically assaulting a junior doctor on the first day of the protest.
The West Bengal Junior Doctors Front initiated the hunger strike in Kolkata, demanding that the state government address their long-standing demands related to the RG Kar rape and murder case.The protest, taking place at Dharmatala, has seen doctors fasting for the past two days, with no response from the authorities despite multiple emails sent by the protesters.
Dr Abid Hasan, a junior doctor spearheading the strike, expressed the medical community’s frustration to ANI, saying, “People who have gathered here in such numbers are representing the government. Since we started our first movement, the government has not conducted any review of our situation.”
In addition to the lack of response from the authorities, the protesting doctors are facing challenges from the police.
“On the very first day, the police assaulted one of our juniors, sent him away, and even beat him up. It’s clear to us what the authorities are trying to do, but they aren’t directly responding to us. The only thing they’re doing is continuing the same old syndicate culture and harassment through the police, just like they have been since day one”, Hasan said.
Despite these obstacles, the junior doctors remain resolute in their decision to continue the strike until their demands are met. They hope that growing public support will pressure the government to address their concerns. Aniket Mahato, a junior doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, emphasised the need for immediate action from the State, CBI, and the Supreme Court to fulfil their demands.
The protest follows the rape and murder of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital. Mahato alleged that there has been consistent negligence and mishandling of evidence by the police in this case. The junior doctors are demanding that the authorities take their responsibilities seriously while allowing the protest to continue peacefully.
As of now, six doctors are participating in the hunger strike, with no communication from the government. The junior doctors stress that they do not seek support from the authorities, but rather the fulfilment of their demands. The hunger strike is set to continue indefinitely until the government engages in discussions and addresses the doctors’ concerns.