West Bengal agrees to key demands in doctors’ protest over rape case

The Indian state of West Bengal has decided to remove the police chief of Kolkata following a protest over rape case that involved doctors rallying after the tragic rape and murder of their colleague. In response to the protest, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that, along with the police chief, the director of medical education and the director of health services will also be removed from their positions.

The strike began on 9 August after the body of a 31-year-old woman was found at the state-run hospital where she worked. This incident has sparked nationwide outrage and raised concerns about the safety of health workers in India. A hospital volunteer has been arrested in connection with the case, which is under investigation by a federal agency.

Doctors’ Demands and Government Response

The protesting doctors have demanded five key changes: justice for the victim, removal of senior police officials, and enhanced security for health workers. Banerjee confirmed that the government has agreed to some of these demands. “The commissioner of Kolkata Police will be removed on Tuesday evening and there will be further changes,” she stated at a press conference following a five-hour meeting with the protest delegation.

Protests Continue Despite Court Orders

The decision has raised hopes that junior doctors will resume work, but protesters have stated they will decide on their next steps only after the government fulfils its promises. The murder has caused significant unrest, particularly in West Bengal, where doctors continue to protest despite a Supreme Court order to return to work.

Thousands of doctors have camped outside the state’s health department headquarters, defying the court order. The state government had previously invited the protesters to meet with the chief minister, but the doctors insisted on live-streaming the meeting, which the government declined.

The protests have put the West Bengal government in a difficult position. Courts have criticized the local administration and police for mishandling the case, which they have denied.

The state government reported that 23 people have died due to lack of medical services during the strike, although protesting doctors claim they have maintained emergency services. Banerjee also announced that no action would be taken against the protesting doctors for their absence from work.

You might also be interested in – West Bengal government proposes anti-rape bill in state assembly