Face of doctor’s stir Aniket quits SR-ship, alleges political vendetta
The Statesman | 2 January 2026
Despite repeated court directives, junior doctor Aniket Mahato is yet to receive his posting at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Citing continued uncertainty and what he described as “political vendetta”, Mahato on Friday announced his decision to opt out of his Senior Resident (SR-ship) posting altogether. Addressing a Press conference, he accused the state government of attempting to derail his medical career for political reasons. “The state government wants to destroy my career as a doctor to satisfy political vendetta,” Mahato alleged. He said that even if a posting were eventually granted, the prevailing circumstances would not allow him to discharge his professional duties with independence or dignity. “The manner in which political retaliation is unfolding makes it clear to me that I will not be able to function as a doctor under this government,” he said, adding that he had therefore decided not to continue with SR-ship under the state.
Mahato also appealed to the public for financial assistance, as relinquishing an SR-ship posting requires payment of a substantial amount to the government. “To exit an SR-ship, nearly Rs 30 lakh is required. I request people to help me financially in whatever way they can,” he said. He reaffirmed his commitment to continue the fight for justice for the woman doctor, who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College, a movement in which he had emerged as one of the most prominent faces during the state-wide protests that followed the incident.
The controversy over Mahato’s posting dates back to May last year, when it emerged that he had been assigned to Raiganj Medical College instead of RG Kar, despite his eligibility and preference. The decision triggered widespread debate, with questions raised over the rationale behind shifting him out of RG Kar. Challenging the state government’s decision, Mahato approached the Calcutta High Court, arguing that denial of a preferred posting despite merit undermined the very purpose of counselling and merit lists. In September, Justice Biswajit Basu of the Calcutta High Court set aside the state’s decision, directing that Mahato be posted at RG Kar Medical College. The state challenged the order before a Division Bench headed by Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty, which upheld the Single Bench verdict. The matter eventually reached the Supreme Court, which also declined to interfere, thereby affirming the High Court’s ruling.
However, despite the apex court’s order, Mahato has still not been posted at RG Kar, a delay that has now prompted his decision to withdraw from SR-ship altogether.