The BJP leaders has demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following the sexual assault and death of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
In response, the Trinamool Congress dismissed the calls as “baseless drama politics,” noting that the case is under the observation of the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court has established a 10-member National Task Force, including Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, to recommend measures for preventing violence and ensuring safe working conditions for medical professionals. This move follows the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata, which led to nationwide protests.
The Supreme Court took up suo motu and therefore directed the task force to submit an interim report within 3 weeks and a final report within two months.
Additionally, the Supreme Court instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation to provide a status report on the investigation into the rape case. The West Bengal government was also asked to submit a status report on the mob attack at RG Kar hospital that occurred on August 15.
In Kolkata on Wednesday, West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar led a protest demanding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation, citing the Supreme Court’s involvement in the case. The BJP has vowed to continue its protests until September 5.
Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, also staged a protest rally, with participants wearing black T-shirts and demanding the Chief Minister’s resignation. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari accused the attackers of trying to cover up the crime, which took place on August 9, and called for doctors on strike to return to work, assuring that the culprits would be brought to justice.
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh criticized the BJP’s demands, pointing out that no BJP Chief Ministers resigned in response to rape cases in their states, and labeled the protests as “drama politics.” He argued that the investigation is being handled by the CBI, which is considered close to the BJP, and questioned why doctors have not returned to work if the Supreme Court is overseeing the case.
Meanwhile, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi urged its resident doctors to resume their duties to ensure patient care is not compromised. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) also wrote to the West Bengal Chief Secretary, suggesting the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force personnel at RG Kar Medical College to manage the protests and maintain order.
In a related development, Akhtar Ali, a former Deputy Superintendent at RG Kar Medical College, filed a case in the Calcutta High Court against ex-principal Sandip Ghosh, alleging involvement in various scams, including biomedical waste management, illegal handling of bodies, and other corrupt activities. Ali, who claims to have received threats, has appealed to the court for his safety and security.
The hearing of the case is scheduled for tomorrow.
