Delhi AIIMS Doctors to Protest in Solidarity with Bengal Counterparts Over RG Kar Case

New Delhi/Kolkata: Junior doctors protesting the rape and murder case at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital have commenced an indefinite hunger strike, intensifying their standoff with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Six doctors are currently on a fast, vowing to continue until they receive justice for their colleague.

Support is expected from medical professionals at Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), who plan to hold a candlelight vigil at the JLN Auditorium this Wednesday evening.

A representative from AIIMS highlighted their commitment to patient care but voiced concerns about the slow pace of the investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). “The demands have been clear since Day 1—justice,” he stated, criticising Banerjee for diverting attention from pressing issues and merely transferring officials without addressing the root problems. He highlighted the pervasive “threat culture” faced by doctors in the region, calling for an end to such practices across India.

The doctors resumed their protests last week, demanding justice for their slain colleague, enhanced workplace safety and a revamp of state officials to eradicate the existing threat culture. They confirmed their commitment to patient care while abstaining from food, placing the onus of their well-being on the state government.

On Friday, the doctors halted a second ‘ceasework’ movement that had already disrupted services in state-run medical institutions. This strike, initiated on October 1, had limited care to essential and emergency services.

Their protests were reignited following the discovery of a 10-year-old girl’s body in a canal in Kultani, South 24 Parganas, on Saturday.

Under political pressure from opposition parties and civil rights groups, Banerjee instructed police to file charges under the POCSO Act and ensure severe penalties for the perpetrators. The girl’s family has accused the cops of negligence, while they face scrutiny over their handling of the RG Kar case, including delays in filing charges. Meanwhile, police have detained a suspect related to the latest incident.