New Delhi: Amid the ongoing hunger strike by junior doctors in Kolkata and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) giving a call to launch a similar strike to show solidarity with their Bengal colleagues, the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the CBI to submit a fresh report in connection to its ongoing probe into the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in the premises of a Kolkata hospital.
#WATCH | Chandigarh | PGI’s resident doctors on 12-hour hunger strike today demanding justice for woman doctor who was raped and murdered in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College & workplace safety at hospitals pic.twitter.com/U20bLRL1ZP
— ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2024
The apex court ordered the CBI to submit the report within three weeks. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the CBI, had submitted the latest status report to the court and mentioned about the chargesheet filed by the probe agency, which has named Sanjay Ray as the lone accused in the brutal crime.
The apex court, however, expressed displeasure over the lack of progress of the Task Force constituted to ensure safety of doctors. “It appears that the Task Force set up by us has not made any substantial progress in pursuance to the remit set by this Court. No meeting of NTF held since first week of Sept” Supreme Court cites in its order. It has also criticised the West Bengal government for delay in installing CCTVs on campus and other security arrangements for the medics.
Already 36+ hours of Hunger Strike by doctors of King George’s Medical University, Lucknow for justice for Abhaya and preventive legislation for healthcare workers, still no response from authorities pic.twitter.com/ofGxJibSJD
— Dr. Divyansh Singh Rajput (@DrDivyanshSingh) October 15, 2024
Meanwhile, doctors across the country stood by the Bengal doctors and launched either 12-hour or 24-hour hunger strike in their respective premises. “We humbly appeal to the Hon’ble President for immediate intervention as resident doctors in West Bengal are on a hunger strike, seeking justice for Dr. Abhaya. Their health is worsening, and urgent action is needed to ensure their safety and justice,” the resident doctors’ association at AIIMS Delhi wrote to the President. The junior doctors in Bengal are in hunger strike since the past 11 days to demand justice for the RG Kar victim and safer working conditions for the medics. They have also demanded the resignation of top health official.
