The protests by junior doctors in West Bengal over the alleged rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College have taken a confrontational turn, with the two main organizing bodies clashing over accusations.
The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF), which initiated the protest, alleges that the newly formed West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Association (WBJDA) comprises junior doctors linked to “threat culture” within medical institutions. According to WBJDF, this faction has support from influential former faculty, including ex-principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh.
In response, WBJDA representatives, reportedly aligned with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), have accused WBJDF of using the incident for personal and financial gain by collecting public funds under the pretense of furthering the protest. They are demanding a state-led investigation into WBJDF’s funding sources, alleging financial exploitation of the tragic event for self-interest.
The WBJDF, dismissing these claims, insists the WBJDA is backed by political interests aiming to discredit the legitimate protest, which has garnered strong public support. Following a request from the victim’s family, WBJDF had paused its hunger strike but vowed to continue the agitation and expand it beyond major cities into rural West Bengal, showing resolve to maintain momentum in demanding justice.
The WBJDF has announced a protest march to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Salt Lake on October 30, the eve of Kali Puja, urging the agency for a swift and transparent resolution to the investigation.
