Kolkata: The streets of Kolkata witnessed another day of demonstrations as members of the West Bengal Service Doctors Forum marched from Sealdah station to the Governor House, calling for justice in the rape and murder of a young medic at a state-run hospital.
According to Kashmir Media Service, approximately 200 health professionals, including doctors and nurses, participated in the 2-kilometer procession. The activists are seeking the direct intervention of Governor C V Ananda Bose, voicing frustration over the perceived slow pace of the investigation. “So many days have passed, but there seems to be little progress in the investigation into the gruesome incident,” stated Seema Das, a nurse involved in the protests.
The rally culminated near the Governor House, where despite the presence of prohibitory orders, a five-member delegation managed to submit a memorandum to the Governor’s office, although Governor Bose was not present to receive it personally. “It is unfortunate that the Governor was away despite prior intimation about our visit. The entire state and the country want the culprits to be identified and punished. As the constitutional head of the state, we want the Governor to exercise his discretion in expediting the probe,” expressed a spokesperson for the forum.
In a related display of solidarity, local artists like Sanatan Dinda created artworks at Shyambazar, near the R G Kar hospital where the medic’s body was discovered on August 9, with visible injury marks. Dinda, along with other artists, expressed their grief and solidarity through their art, stating, “We have voiced our anguish over the brutal atrocity on our sister. It is our duty to protect every mother, daughter, and sister.”
The continuous protests and the community’s artistic responses highlight the deep impact of the tragedy on Kolkata’s society, and the strong demand for swift justice and enhanced safety measures for medical professionals.