Why are Kolkata Police Summoning Leading Doctors Ahead of R.G. Kar Tragedy's Anniversary?
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Synopsis
As the anniversary of the R.G. Kar tragedy approaches, Kolkata Police's summons of protesting doctors raises questions about state intimidation. The Joint Platform of Doctors prepares for protests, highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice. Will this lead to increased dissent among medical professionals? Read on to find out more.
Key Takeaways
- Kolkata Police have summoned protesting doctors ahead of the tragedy's anniversary.
- The summons are viewed as attempts to intimidate the medical community.
- Protests are scheduled for August 9, marking the first anniversary of the R.G. Kar case.
- The Joint Platform of Doctors is actively advocating for justice.
- State actions have raised questions about civil liberties and freedom of speech.
Kolkata, Aug 5 (NationPress) As the anniversary of the R.G. Kar rape and murder tragedy approaches, the Kolkata Police have summoned prominent doctors involved in last year's protests for their participation in the demonstrations.
Interestingly, these doctors have been called in while the Joint Platform of Doctors, West Bengal, along with other medical associations, is preparing for a series of protests on August 9 to mark the first anniversary of this tragic event.
The police have issued summons to both senior and junior doctors, including Manas Gumta, Subarna Goswami, Kinjal Nanda, Debashis Halder, and Kaushik Chaki, concerning three cases from last year.
In an interview with IANS, Manas Gumta, who previously served as the general secretary of the Association of Health Service Doctors (AHSD), West Bengal, expressed, "This action indicates the vindictiveness of the state administration, aimed at intimidating the medical community to deter them from future protests regarding this issue."
He further stated, "The state government is attempting to frighten us with these summons after witnessing the significant protests from last year. The police aim to intimidate us. Is it acceptable in a democracy for the government to dictate participation in protest movements? I strongly denounce this vindictiveness from the state administration and police force."
According to police sources, the summons were issued based on three case numbers: 259, 261, and 263. Case number 259 pertains to a procession from Calcutta Medical College and Hospital to Dorina Crossing in central Kolkata. Case number 261 relates to protests held during the Durga Puja last year, while case number 263 concerns a gathering on the metro channel in central Kolkata during Maha Ashtami.
In response to the situation, various organizations, including the Medical Service Centre, Service Doctors affiliated with the All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO), West Bengal Doctors' Forum, and the Association of Health Service Doctors, have organized multiple protests demanding a thorough investigation and justice. The Joint Platform of Doctors (JPD), West Bengal, has also joined the movement.
In a statement to IANS, Punyabrata Goon, the convenor of JPD, termed the police summons as unfortunate, saying, "The state government is employing such tactics to suppress the voice of dissent. This will only galvanize more doctors and individuals to step forward and participate in our protests."
On August 8, the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum plans to conduct a torch rally from College Square to Shyambazar at 9 PM, followed by a sit-in at Shyambazar five-point crossing from midnight to 4 AM the next day.
On August 9, JPD and Abhaya Mancha will tie rakhis in the morning to symbolize safety and security for the public. At 4 PM, doctors will gather at Hazra crossing to march towards Kalighat, the residence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Additionally, at 6 PM, the West Bengal Junior Doctors Forum has called for a gathering at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
On the same day, the parents of the R.G. Kar victim are organizing a "non-political" march to Nabanna (the state secretariat).
The body of a female junior doctor from the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata was discovered in the seminar hall on August 9 last year.
Point of View
The actions taken by the Kolkata Police against protesting doctors reflect broader issues of governance and civil liberties in India. While maintaining law and order is crucial, it is equally important to uphold the rights of citizens to voice their concerns, especially in matters of public interest. The state must strike a balance between authority and the fundamental rights of individuals.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the doctors summoned by Kolkata Police?
The doctors were summoned for their involvement in protests related to the R.G. Kar rape and murder tragedy, as part of three registered cases from the previous year.
What is the response from the doctors regarding the summons?
Doctors have condemned the summons as a tactic of intimidation by the state government, aiming to deter future protests.
What protests are planned for August 9?
Protests include a torch rally by the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum and a gathering of doctors at Hazra crossing to march towards Kalighat.
What does the Joint Platform of Doctors represent?
The Joint Platform of Doctors is a coalition of various medical organizations in West Bengal advocating for justice and accountability in the R.G. Kar case.
What happened to the R.G. Kar victim?
The body of a junior doctor was found in the seminar hall of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 last year.
