Speed up probe, ensure real culprits are punished, junior docs urge CBI
Times of India | 22 August 2024
Kolkata: CBI felt the protest heat for the first time as thousands of junior doctors gathered outside the CGO Complex on Wednesday, urging the central agency to expedite the investigation process. The protesters then marched till Swasthya Bhavan, demanding the resignation of Suhrita Paul, the current RG Kar principal. Paul was removed along with three others later in the evening.
When the doctors marched to the state’s CBI headquarters premises, RG Kar former principal Sandip Ghosh was being grilled inside for the sixth consecutive day.
“It has been more than a week that CBI has taken over the case from Kolkata Police but we don’t see any real progress. We want updates about the investigation. They should wrap up the investigation quickly and ensure the culprits are punished,” said Saikat Maity, a post-graduate trainee doctor from Medical College Hospital, Kolkata.
The doctors started gathering outside CGO complex from 10.30 am and by 11.30 am, there was a gathering of more than 2,000 junior and senior doctors from different hospitals. This forced officials to tighten the security at the CGO Complex and seal the entry-exit gates. Police presence was also increased and barricades were put up.
The crowd surge forced Bidhannagar police to call for additional force. The rallyists were also asked to shift from the main building as cautious CISF officers sealed the gates and stood guard. “We had to be cautious after what had happened at RG Kar. But thankfully, the rallyists cooperated,” said an officer of Bidhannagar City Police.
The protesters, armed with placards and banners reading ‘We Want Justice’ and ‘Missing Principal’, began the 3km march to Swasthya Bhawan at 12.30 pm.
TOI found many local residents and bystanders walking with the doctors. By the time the rally reached Sector V around 1.50pm, the headcount swelled to 4,000.
“This fight is not just for and by the doctors. It is for all of us. We have all lost a daughter and if we don’t protest and fight for our rights, it can be my daughter tomorrow,” said Anjana Banerjee, a Salt Lake resident, who marched alongside the doctors from Mayukh Bhavan till Karunamoyee crossing.
Police said they had enough force to manage the gathering peacefully though they hadn’t estimated such a huge turnout.