Kolkata Erupts: Clashes, Arrests, and Nationwide Protests Over Doctor’s Rape-Murder
Kolkata remains on edge as protests intensify following the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The city witnessed violent clashes between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers and Kolkata Police outside the CGO Complex on Friday, resulting in several detentions. Simultaneously, Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) [SUCI (C)] activists clashed with police during a 12-hour general strike in solidarity with the victim. Protesters were arrested and taken to Lalbazar Police Station after a demonstration at Hazra Intersection.
Nationwide outrage has led to widespread protests by the medical community. In Rajasthan, medical services were severely disrupted, with resident doctors at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital shutting down operations and planning a rally in Jaipur. The strike has halted routine surgeries and affected emergency services. In Patna, doctors at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences vowed to continue their protest until justice is served.
At AIIMS Delhi, healthcare workers are demanding a Central Protection Act, with thousands expected to rally at Nirman Bhawan. Protests have also spread to AIIMS Mangalagiri in Andhra Pradesh, where medical students staged a street play to express their anger.
Meanwhile, Kolkata Police have arrested 19 individuals involved in vandalism at RG Kar Medical College, where hospital property was damaged amid midnight protests. The suspects have been remanded to police custody, with tensions remaining high as the city grapples with this tragic incident.
