In the wake of the tragic rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024, West Bengal has been engulfed in a series of protests and political confrontations. The incident not only ignited widespread outrage over women’s safety but also intensified political disputes between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The victim, a 31-year-old doctor, was found lifeless in a hospital classroom, leading to the arrest of Sanjay Roy, a police volunteer, who was later convicted of the crime. This heinous act spurred junior and senior doctors, along with concerned citizens, to organize silent rallies across Kolkata, demanding justice and improved security measures in public healthcare facilities. One such rally commenced from College Square to Shyambazar, symbolizing the collective grief and determination of the medical community.
Amid these demonstrations, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of failing to address the pressing concerns of the junior doctors. Ghosh stated, “Regarding the mess in the health department, those who are culprits are never punished. If there are any problems, a few doctors are suspended. The doctors who are causing irregularities are safe because they are attached to the party. Junior doctors keep protesting because of behavior towards them. They are not heard and their problems are not addressed.” These remarks underscore the BJP’s stance that the state government is not taking adequate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of medical professionals.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Health & Family Welfare Department of West Bengal organized an event titled ‘Chikitsar Arek Naam Seva’ in Kolkata. This initiative aimed to foster dialogue and address the grievances of medical professionals. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was slated to grace the occasion, signaling the government’s intent to engage directly with the medical community.
Despite these efforts, the medical fraternity’s dissatisfaction remained palpable. On February 9, 2025, coinciding with the victim’s birthday, doctors held a silent rally in Kolkata. Their demands were clear: comprehensive punishment for all individuals implicated in the murder, allegations of torture, and evidence tampering. Dr. Sukanta Chakraborthy, a participant in the protest, emphasized, “Our demand is the punishment of all concerned in Abhaya’s murder, torture, and evidence tampering. Also, those who are involved in corruption in the government healthcare system.” This sentiment reflects a broader call for systemic reforms within the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
The protests also highlighted a pervasive belief among the medical community that the crime was not the act of a lone individual. A protesting doctor remarked, “Everyone knows that only one person is not the culprit. For six months we have been on the street. We will continue to protest till we don’t get justice.” This perspective suggests a deep-seated mistrust in the investigative process and a demand for a more thorough and transparent inquiry.
In a bid to honor the victim’s legacy, the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front in Sodepur organized medical camps on her birthday, offering free treatment and medicines. This initiative aimed to perpetuate her commitment to service and compassion, with organizers expressing, “Today is Abhaya’s birthday. She liked to provide help. We want to carry her thoughts forward.” Such actions underscore the medical community’s resilience and dedication to societal welfare, even amidst personal and collective grief.
The political ramifications of the incident extended beyond healthcare concerns. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of importing fake voters from neighboring Bihar, a claim that Dilip Ghosh refuted by counter-alleging that fraudulent voters were being brought in from Bangladesh. Ghosh asserted, “Fake voters are brought from Bangladesh. Central force, and we caught them. False voter cards, Aadhar cards, ration cards all are made in West Bengal.” These exchanges highlight the charged political atmosphere in the state, where issues of governance, security, and electoral integrity are deeply intertwined.
The tragic event at R.G. Kar Medical College has thus become a focal point for broader discussions on women’s safety, healthcare reforms, and political accountability in West Bengal. As the state grapples with these challenges, the convergence of civic activism and political discourse continues to shape the narrative, reflecting the complexities inherent in addressing systemic issues within a charged political landscape.
