RG Kar rape and murder case: Doctors end strike today; emergency services to resume. See latest updates

After a strike lasting over 40 days in response to the tragic rape and murder incident at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata, the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front has decided to call off its protest.

As ANI reported, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant assured the junior doctors that their safety concerns would be taken care of.

Also read: RG Kar rape and murder case: ‘My daughter would still be alive if Mamata Banerjee…’, says victim’s father

While emergency services are being resumed, outpatient department (OPD) services will remain suspended for the time being.

One of the members of the junior doctors' front, Dr Aqeeb, told ANI that after a meeting with the Chief Secretary, they have received a commitment from the state government to improve their security. However, a timeline for implementation remains uncertain.

“On the 41st day of the protest, the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front would like to say that we have achieved a lot during our agitation but a lot is still unachieved. We have forced the resignation of the Kolkata Police Commissioner and the DME and DHS. But that does not mean the agitation is over. We will continue it in a new way. We have received a directive from Nabanna after our meeting with the Chief Secretary yesterday. In the directive, we were assured that security measures will be taken but it was not specified when,” he said.

Also read: West Bengal Medical Council cancels registration of former RG Kar director Sandip Ghosh amid Kolkata rape and murder probe

“The threat culture cost 'Abhaya' his life… We still demand that the chief secretary be sacked and action be taken against the threat culture,” he added.

Aqeeb further stated that they would organise a rally from Swasthya Bhawan to the Central Government Offices (CGO) complex, adding that Abhaya will always be their priority and their attention will be on the upcoming Supreme Court hearing and the government’s actions.

“Tomorrow, we will organise a rally from Swasthya Bhawan to CGO complex and end our protest. We will keep a close eye on the administration after we resume our duties… If we find anything unusual, we will come back stronger. We will return to work on Saturday and resume essential services,” he said.

“OPD (ambulance) and OT (operation theatre) services will remain suspended because we want to ensure that measures are taken to ensure the safety of the women colleagues. Our agitation will continue. Justice for Abhaya will always be our priority and our eyes are on the Supreme Court hearing and the steps being taken by the government,” Aqeeb added.

In conversation with ANIAqeeb also addressed the flood issue and expressed his support for those affected, stressing the value of solidarity and mutual aid in the face of adversity.

Also read: Kolkata doctor rape and murder case: Chronology of events after RG Kar incident – ​​from protests to September 17 CBI report

“There is a flood problem and it is our duty that those who stand by us when a disaster strikes should also be there to help them. Hence, we have decided to leave this protest site. We will hold a rally till CGO complex and demand that the CBI continue and expedite the investigation so that Abhaya gets justice,” he said.

“However, no measures have been taken to ensure that female doctors feel safe in hospitals. … Proper elections should be held in hospitals so that elected representatives can come and listen to the complaints of female students,” he added.

Earlier, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on September 10 remanded Sandip Ghosh and three others in judicial custody till September 23 in a case of financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The CBI's Anti-Corruption Wing arrested Sandip Ghosh on September 2 as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and financial irregularities at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

This investigation was initiated following a direction of the Calcutta High Court.

In addition, the CBI conducted a second round of polygraph tests on Dr. Ghosh on August 26. These tests were related to the ongoing investigation into the tragic rape-murder of a doctor at the institution, who was found dead in a seminar room on August 9.