On August 14, chaos erupted at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata when a large mob stormed the premises, attacking doctors and vandalizing property. The incident has sparked outrage, leading to doctors across the state resuming their strike, demanding justice and better security.
Midnight Mayhem
The trouble began late at night when a mob, estimated to be around 2,000 to 2,500 strong, forcefully entered the hospital. According to eyewitnesses, the mob was aggressive, attacking doctors and healthcare workers who were peacefully protesting outside the hospital. The protest was in response to a tragic incident that occurred on August 9, where a junior doctor was found dead in the hospital’s seminar hall. The victim’s family has alleged that she was raped and murdered, a claim that has intensified the anger and fear among medical staff.
The mob reportedly targeted the area where the crime took place, attempting to destroy evidence. Despite the large-scale violence, the police on duty allegedly did nothing to stop the attack, further fueling the outrage. The Kolkata Police, however, issued a statement denying that the crime scene had been tampered with during the attack.
Political Backlash
Union Minister and West Bengal BJP president, Sukanta Majumdar, strongly condemned the attack and the inaction of the police. He accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of failing to maintain law and order in the state. “There is no law and order in West Bengal. 2000-2500 goons barged into the medical college late at night. Doctors were beaten up and threatened, the police remained silent,” Majumdar said. He further announced his plans to visit RG Kar Medical College to lead a protest against the state government’s failure to protect the doctors and hospital staff.
Majumdar’s criticism was echoed by other members of the BJP, who have called for a state-wide protest to demand justice for the doctors and stricter security measures in hospitals.
Doctors’ Strike Resumes
The Federation of Resident Doctors Association India (FORDA) quickly responded to the attack by announcing the resumption of their strike. The organization had previously called off the strike after receiving assurances from the health ministry that their concerns would be addressed. However, following the mob attack, the doctors felt that their safety and the justice for their deceased colleague were not being taken seriously.
A final-year MBBS student from the hospital shared the fear and frustration among the medical community. “We were peacefully protesting, and then suddenly, a mob came out of nowhere and started attacking us. We can’t work in such conditions. We need security,” the student told reporters.
TMC’s Response
In response to the incident, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee condemned the attack, labeling it as “hooliganism” and “vandalism.” He urged the Kolkata Police to act swiftly and arrest those responsible within the next 24 hours. Banerjee’s statement highlighted the growing tension between the state government and the medical community, as well as the political ramifications of the incident.
Nationwide Concern
The death of the junior doctor on August 9 and the subsequent events have triggered a nationwide outcry among the medical fraternity. Doctors and healthcare workers from various parts of the country have expressed their solidarity with their colleagues in Kolkata, demanding justice and better protection for medical professionals.
The situation in Kolkata remains tense, with doctors continuing their strike and political parties gearing up for protests. The attack has not only raised questions about the safety of medical professionals in the state but also about the ability of the state government to maintain law and order. As the doctors’ strike continues, all eyes are on the state government’s next move in addressing the crisis and restoring peace at RG Kar Medical College.
