Doctors resume strike after mob attacks kolkata hospital; BJP demands accountability

Kolkata August 15 2024 : Doctors at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata have resumed their strike following a midnight mob attack on August 14. The incident saw a large crowd, estimated between 2,000 to 2,500 people, forcibly enter the hospital and assault medical staff, prompting strong criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a renewed protest from healthcare workers.

Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President, condemned the Kolkata Police and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government for their alleged inaction during the attack. Majumdar accused the police of standing by as doctors were beaten and threatened, and claimed that the mob attempted to destroy evidence related to a previous incident involving the alleged rape and murder of a junior doctor on August 9—an accusation the police have denied.

“There is no law and order in West Bengal. A mob of 2,000-2,500 people entered the medical college, assaulted doctors, and the police did nothing. The state government has no right to remain in power if it cannot maintain order,” Majumdar said, announcing plans to protest at the medical college the following day. The Federation of Resident Doctors Association India (FORDA) has announced the resumption of their strike following the attack. The organization had previously called off their strike after receiving assurances from the health ministry regarding their demands.

In response to the violence, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee condemned the vandalism and urged Kolkata Police to apprehend those responsible within 24 hours. The unrest follows the death of a post-graduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, with allegations of rape and murder fueling widespread protests among medical professionals across the country.