Why Has Kolkata Police Summoned Doctors Before R.G. Kar Tragedy's Anniversary?
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Synopsis
As the anniversary of the R.G. Kar tragedy approaches, Kolkata Police have summoned key doctors involved in last year's protests. This move has sparked outrage within the medical community, who plan a series of demonstrations to demand justice, raising serious questions about the government's stance on the right to protest.
Key Takeaways
- Kolkata Police summons doctors linked to protests over the R.G. Kar tragedy.
- Medical community plans demonstrations on August 9 anniversary.
- Summons viewed as intimidation by state authorities.
- Protests highlight the importance of the right to dissent.
- Calls for justice and transparency in the investigation continue.
Kolkata, Aug 5 (NationPress) In the lead-up to the anniversary of the R.G. Kar tragedy involving rape and murder, the Kolkata Police have issued summons to doctors who spearheaded last year's protests concerning the incident.
This development coincides with the plans of the Joint Platform of Doctors, West Bengal, along with other medical organizations, to initiate a series of protest activities on August 9, commemorating the first year since the tragic event.
Summons have been dispatched to both senior and junior physicians, including Manas Gumta, Subarna Goswami, Kinjal Nanda, Debashis Halder, and Kaushik Chaki, linked to three cases filed last year.
Manas Gumta, who previously served as the general secretary of the Association of Health Service Doctors (AHSD), West Bengal, remarked to IANS: "This action reflects the vindictiveness of the state administration, intended to intimidate the medical community and deter future protests regarding this issue."
He continued, "The government seems threatened by last year's large-scale protests and is attempting to intimidate us. It is surprising that these summons are issued merely for participating in protest rallies. Is this acceptable in a democratic society? Does the government possess the authority to dictate an individual's right to protest? I unequivocally condemn this vindictiveness of the state government and its police force," Gumta added.
According to police reports, summons were issued based on three case numbers: 259, 261, and 263. Case number 259 refers to the procession from Calcutta Medical College and Hospital to Dorina Crossing in central Kolkata. Case number 261 relates to protests during last year's Durga Puja. Case number 263 pertains to a gathering in the metro channel during Maha Ashtami.
Various organizations, including Medical Service Centre, Service Doctors affiliated with the All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO), West Bengal Doctors' Forum, and the AHSD, have staged numerous protests demanding a thorough investigation and justice. The Joint Platform of Doctors (JPD), West Bengal, subsequently joined the efforts.
Punyabrata Goon, the convenor of JPD, expressed to IANS that the police summons targeted at these doctors is regrettable. "The state government is utilizing such tactics to suppress dissent. We have no words to express our condemnation of this action. Ironically, such measures may galvanize more individuals and doctors to join our protests," Goon stated.
On August 8, the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum is set to conduct a torch rally from College Square to Shyambazar at 9 PM, followed by a sit-in demonstration at Shyambazar five-point crossing from midnight until 4 AM the next day.
On August 9, JPD and Abhaya Mancha will tie rakhis in the morning to convey a message of safety and security. At 4 PM, doctors will gather at Hazra crossing to march towards Kalighat, the residence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Later, at 6 PM, the West Bengal Junior Doctors Forum has initiated a call for a gathering at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Furthermore, the parents of the R.G. Kar victim have called for a "non-political" march to Nabanna (the state secretariat).
Tragically, the body of a female junior doctor from the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata was discovered in the seminar hall on August 9 last year.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the complex dynamics at play in this situation. The summons issued by Kolkata Police to the protesting doctors highlights a concerning trend of governmental overreach. While the state has the responsibility to maintain order, it must also uphold the fundamental rights of its citizens, including the right to protest. The growing unrest among medical professionals signals a need for dialogue and understanding from the government rather than intimidation.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the R.G. Kar tragedy?
The R.G. Kar tragedy refers to the rape and murder of a female junior doctor at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, which occurred on August 9 last year.
Why were doctors summoned by the police?
Doctors were summoned due to their involvement in protests related to the R.G. Kar tragedy, which the police claim were linked to ongoing investigations.
What are the upcoming protest plans?
Doctors plan to hold a series of protests including a torch rally on August 8 and a march on August 9 to demand justice and a fair investigation.
How has the medical community reacted?
The medical community has expressed outrage over the summons, viewing them as an attempt to intimidate and suppress their right to protest.
What is the significance of the protests?
The protests aim to demand justice for the victim and uphold the rights of healthcare professionals to voice their concerns without fear of retaliation.
