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The ongoing protests in Kolkata, West Bengal, sparked by the tragic rape and murder of a young trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, continue to grip the state. In a bid to quell the unrest, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a fervent plea on Monday, urging citizens to set aside their demonstrations and focus on celebrating Durga Puja. She also appealed to the striking doctors to return to their duties, highlighting the disruption caused by the persistent protests.
Banerjee emphasized the need for peace and unity, stating that the daily protests have disturbed the community's tranquility. She appealed to everyone to embrace the upcoming Durga Puja festivities and bring an end to the demonstrations, which have been ongoing for a month since the tragic incident. The protests, including multiple 'Reclaim the Night' rallies, have drawn thousands to the streets, demanding justice and enhanced safety measures for women in their workplaces.
Social media on Monday was rife with images of protests taking place across Kolkata. In North Kolkata, a rally of rickshaw pullers was organized, displaying posters critical of the Mamata Banerjee-led government. The Chief Minister also addressed claims that she had offered financial assistance to the victim's family, clarifying that no monetary compensation had been offered. While the state government is willing to assist with a memorial if the family desires, Banerjee criticized the notion that financial compensation could substitute for justice, accusing some parties of exploiting the tragedy for their own agendas.
Furthermore, Banerjee revealed that Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal had offered his resignation in response to the crisis. She stressed the need for a law enforcement leader capable of managing the complexities of the Durga Puja period, particularly given the striking doctors' previous demand for the Commissioner's resignation due to a lack of confidence in the police's handling of the case.
In an attempt to resolve the ongoing strike, the Supreme Court intervened on Monday, issuing an order for the protesting doctors to resume their duties by 5 p.m. on September 10, 2024, assuring them that no punitive measures would be taken against them. Banerjee expressed hope that this order would bring an end to the strike, which has severely impacted healthcare services. According to West Bengal Health Secretary N.S. Nigam, the strike has resulted in the deaths of 23 individuals, with approximately seven lakh patients unable to receive treatment in outpatient departments and 70,000 patients denied care in inpatient facilities.